The Charleston area has long been graced by numerous alternatives for scenic strolls. But our community gains a unique place to take an uplifting walk today with the pedestrian opening of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge.

Though motor vehicles will become the primary means of transportation across the $632 million Cooper River bridge next weekend after a week of thoroughly justified hoopla, on this weekend it belongs to walkers. The Bridge Committee expects a two-day total of approximately 40,000 people to stroll the bridge when it opens from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Only foot and wheelchair traffic will be permitted -- leave your bikes, skates and roller blades elsewhere.

However, bring your patience with you. With scant parking available near either end of the bridge, and several adjacent roads closed for the occasion, buses will shuttle walkers -- and those in wheelchairs -- from designated lots and garages to the bridge entrances on both sides. Once at the largest cable-stayed bridge in North America, you then will have the option of walking up to the main span (about 1.5 miles from the Charleston side, about 1 mile from the Mount Pleasant side) or taking another bus up to that grand view.

Live music will enhance the festive occasion. So will the lack of vehicular traffic. Yes, you can still walk the bridge once the cars and trucks start crossing next weekend. But today and tomorrow, you don't have to share it with exhaust fumes.

The celebration of our magnificent new bridge will begin in fitting fashion today. Those who made it possible should be proud. The rest of us should be grateful for their remarkable accomplishment -- and excited about our new local landmark.