While the bridge has always permitted the passage of pedestrians across its span , its role in allowing thousands to cross takes on a special importance in times of difficulty when usual means of crossing the East River have become unavailable . During transit strikes by the Transport Workers Union in 1980 and 2005 , people commuting to work used the bridge joined by Mayors Ed Koch and Michael Bloomberg who crossed as a gesture to the affected public . Pedestrians also walked across the bridge as an alternative to suspended subway services following the 1965 , 1977 , and 2003 blackouts , and after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Brooklyn Bridge