Pedestrian bridges (also occasionally referred to as footbridges, pedestrian overpass, or  pedestrian over crossing), is a bridge that is designed specifically for pedestrians and cyclists. Typically these bridges compliment the surrounding landscape and serve as a functional role as well as a decorative one. The most common types of material used for pedestrian bridges include timber, steel, and concrete with the top design styles being suspension, clapper, moon, and step-stone.  In this article we take a look at 8 various pedestrian footbridges that will have almost all motorists wanting to ditch their car in favour of travelling along the bridge. 

1. Peace Bridge - Calgary, Alberta

Opened to pedestrians on March 24, 2012, the Peace Bridge designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, accommodates pedestrians and cyclists wishing to cross the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The colour of the bridge - red and white is reflecting the colours of the Candian flag and the flag of Calgary.

2. Pedro e Inês Footbridge, - Coimbra, Portugal

Opened in 2007 the Pedro e Inês bridge is unique for two reasons: 

1) The design of the bridge featuring two cantilevered walkways that are displaced giving the visual effect that the bridge doesn't meet - despite it meeting in the middle to form a viewing platform.  

2) The inspiration behind the bridge design. According to Wikipedia, the design of the bridge mimics the story of Pedro, the crown Prince of Portugal and Inês de Castro, the lady-in-waiting to a Spanish Princess. In the story they were star-crossed lovers destined to never be together which is said to be conveyed with the bridge through the two halves of the bridge never joining.

3. BP Pedestrian Bridge - Chicago

Designed by Frank Gehry, the BP Pedestrian Bridge opened on July 16, 2004 in coordination with the opening of Millennium Park. The bridge's curved, snakelike structure features a wooden floor with stainless steel parapets instead of handrails. 

4. Webb Bridge - Melbourne, Australia

The Webb Bridge was designed to link the Docklands on the north side to the new residential developments on the south side using part of a preexisting rail bridge. The new design of the bridge by Denton Corker Marshall, not only offers a physical link between the old and the new but also suggests a look at the past and towards the future. 

5. Millennium Bridge - London, England

The Millennium Bridge is a steel suspension bridge that allows pedestrians to cross the River Thames. It acts as a connecting route between the Globe Theatre and St. Paul's Cathedral, with a low profile view that allows a clear view of St. Paul's south facade.  Though the bridge boasts a unique design, it's perhaps most recognizable from its use in the sixth instalment of the Harry Potter franchise. 

6.Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge - Zhangjiajie, China

As if the scenic views provided by this bridge aren't spectacular enough, the bridge is also currently the longest and tallest glass bottomed bridge in the world.  The steel frame of the bridge is adorned with more than 120 tempered glass panels that are each 2-inches-thick and 3-layered. If you want to see this in person, you better prepare yourself for a wait. Reportedly the bridge attracts more than 80,000 visitors per day yet is only designed to hold 800 persons at a time. 

7. Helix Bridge - Marina Bay, Singapore

The Helix is a pedestrian bridge that acts as an entire walkway around Marina Bay in Singapore. The design of the bridge closely resembles a strand of human DNA, with multi-coloured LED lights  emphasizing the connection. 

8. Infinity Bridge - Stockton, England

The winning design for the Infinity Bridge submitted by Expedition Engineering and Spence Associates was selected out of more than 200 entries to the RIBA Competitions. The bridge is classified as a bowstring bridge with two differently-sized structural steel arches with suspended precast concrete decking and one asymmetrically placed river pier. At night, the bridge handrail and footway are lit and change colours from blue to white as pedestrians cross. The white painted arches are illuminated with white lights in order to illuminate the water below and make the infamous infinity symbol. 

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