The arch describes a segment of a circle that is set at 50 degrees to the horizontal, lying back towards the south and the wilderness beyond. This circle is equivalent to a bicycle wheel that would have 365 spokes if completed, radiating from a centre point within the earth. The bridge's spokes stabilise the arch just as those of a bike stabilise the wheel rim. The arch and cables that suspend the bridge deck are made of stainless steel.

Between the springing points of the arch along the length of the south side of the bridge is a seat that, together with part of the deck, forms a rigid box. The box's strength mimics the bicycle wheel's hub and so provides the firmness that prevents the arch from buckling.

The new bridge at York pioneers a new form of structure that exploits high strength materials and tests the limits of contemporary technology.

With its single inclined stainless steel arch measuring only 600mm x 200mm in section from which the bridge is suspended, the construction creates an ethereal object that bridges the river and defines the City boundary.

As a Millennium bridge, the structure defines a moment in time, epitomising engineers' confidence in making a contemporary statement of their art.