William Powell Bridge

Miami’s most popular and only bridge for hill workouts. About 77 feet of clearance at it’s highest point, and approximately 0.9 miles in length, this bridge offers excellent views of downtown and Brickell to the north and the beauty of the Biscayne Bay to the south. There is almost always a nice breeze that, if you’re properly sweaty is quite delicious.
On the down side, it basically runs along an interstate, where cars and trucks in the endless stream of traffic are prone to gunning their engines (for reasons unbeknownst to me). Also, as a biker you’ve got basically two choices — use the «bike lane» (and I use that term loosely — it’s an utterly dangerous joke) or use the actual sidewalk (which, while illegal, is safe for bikers but creates a pretty dangerous situation on the downhill segment for runners/​walkers).
A little planning could have made this bridge a lot more enjoyable for denizens of Miami, however if I were to start that discussion, this would be a long review.
Also, (and I’m sure the city is aware of this) if you live in Miami and want to run/​walk/​bike hills, you’ve got no other choice…

I don’t exercise in «boxes» — I prefer fresh air. There’s more than one way to kick your own ass, and whether you’re biking, running, or skating, this bridge will do it. Minus one star, just because I don’t feel that riding right next to cars doing 50 – 60 mph is the safest thing out there.

The William Powell Bridge is arguably the only place in south Florida where we can do hill workouts, whether on a bike, running or rollerblading. Haven’t measured the gradient on it but it does feel steeper and shorter when you are going west towards Miami and longer and a bit shallower when you are heading east towards the Key. Either way, it is a great way to add a bit of spice to your workouts.
My best memory of this bridge… when they were recruiting me to relocate to Miami from Chicago, the hiring manager took me on a tour of Miami, including Key Biscayne and pointed out the beautiful views of Brickell when coming over the William Powell… I was sold at this point but still held out for more money… which I got —
I really want to write more about this bridge, but writing this review made want to go out and ride on the William Powell so catch me on the bridge… if you can …

«Goliath,» as my running partner and I call this bridge (Also known as the Rickenbacker Causeway), is an awesome place to go for a GREAT workout.
I highly recommend coming here for a good walk, run, or bike ride. The dollar fifty toll to come in to Key Biscayne is totally worth it. Yes, the bridge is intimidating in size, but the views from it put one at ease immediately! There are always hoards of people here be it 6AM or 6PM, and I have actually been here at both times. I must be honest, watching the sunrise or sunset from here is amazing! It almost makes me feel like I am not working out at all!
Be prepared to sweat (each time overthe bridge is almost a mile believe it or not!), be prepared to «feel the burn,» and be prepared to feel awesome afterwards ;)
Side note: There are several homeless people that live in the cars and/​or under the bridge, but I have never had an unpleasant experience with them aside from a whistle or «Hey Mami» or two. I do always keep my guard up though… better to be safe than sorry!