Roosevelt Island Bridge The bridge is the only means of vehicular access to Roosevelt Island. Prior to construction, the bridge carried two 17-foot lanes of vehicular traffic and a 6-foot sidewalk. The bridge is used by both pedestrians and vehicles with increased volume during rush hours.

Yes, you can absolutely walk or bike across the Roosevelt Island Bridge. It is currently the only bridge that provides direct vehicular and pedestrian access to Roosevelt Island, connecting it to Astoria, Queens at 36th Avenue. The bridge features a dedicated pedestrian walkway on one side, separated from car traffic, allowing for a safe and scenic stroll. The walk offers unique views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the nearby Queensboro Bridge. It is a popular route for residents of Astoria who want to visit the island's parks, such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, or for tourists looking for a more "local" way to enter the island rather than taking the famous Tramway or the F train. The bridge is a "lift bridge," meaning it can open to allow large vessels to pass underneath, though this is relatively infrequent. If you are walking from Queens, it takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to cross the span. Once on the island, you can easily access the red bus (a free shuttle) to explore the rest of the three-mile-long landmark without needing a car.