Nestled under Interstate 5 and State Route 54 freeways and above the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, in South County, is the latest addition to the 26-mile Bayshore Bikeway and San Diego’s 1,000-mile bicycle network – a bridge built exclusively for bicyclists and pedestrians.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Saturday, April 17, 2004 on the bridge over the Sweetwater River. Attendees were invited to be one of the first to ride or walk on the Sweetwater Bridge. Supervisor Greg Cox made a surprise announcement that he has asked the Mayors of Chula Vista and National City to name the bridge in honor of Gordy Shields, a long time advocate for the Bayshore Bikeway. Gordy began his involvement with the Bayshore Bikeway in the mid-1970s when the original planning for the project began, and has been promoting this and other bicycling improvements around the region ever since. In addition to being an active advocate for bicycling, Gordy is a noted bike racer and has won numerous Senior Olympics medals and National championships in his age group. He also is the U.S. record holder in the 20 km time trial in the over 80 age group.

The event was cosponsored by the County of San Diego and Supervisor Greg Cox, SANDAG, Caltrans, the City of National City, and the City of Chula Vista.

Project Manager: Stephan Vance
(619) 699-1924