The news has just been confirmed that Severn Link passengers will be able to bring bicycles on board the ferries!
We appreciate that there has been great interest from cyclists who wish to bring their bikes on board when travelling between Swansea and Ilfracombe on the soon-to-be-launched Severn Link ferry. So it is with great pleasure that we are to able confirm this latest news.
Do check the Severn Link website for regular updates and for all the latest developments, or join our Facebook and Twitter pages to join in discussions (follow the links from the Severn Link website).
This could be a useful ferry for cycle tourists, but don't hold your breath, there've been a few proposed Bristol Channel ferries over the years which came to nothing, let's hope this one succeeds.
Good to hear that a number of people have been making contact with Severnlink the vessels they propose to use carry between 300 and 380 passengers and around 100 are now in use across the world including in the Baltic and China Seas.
I did make contact with them as CTC Public Transport specialist and have also been in touch with North Devon Development group to look at other links (carrying bikes and surf boards on bus services to Ilfracombe from the start of the Dartmoor trails network.
By way of a contrast I've also 'discovered' Kintyre Express at present only offering chartered services between Troon and Campbeltown (Argyll) - they claim a sailing time of just over an hour which compares VERY favourably with going round via Arrochar and the Rest & Be Thankful (Troon is approx 1 hour from Glasgow by coach (45 min by train)). They can carry up to 12 passengers and bikes (quantity not known), in what is known as a 'rib' travelling at around 30Kts - seat belts and self inflating lifejackets have to be worn. A robust constitution is also a desirable condition for the passengers. I believe there may be some other opportunities of this sort around the UK.
It is nice to have sucsess for once, I do have to admidt that we were just part of a larger campaign.
I only hope I can afford to use it if it happens.
Maybee it was a good strategy on their part. We have done their advertising for them. Combined with a quick reversal of the policy leaving everyone happy.
Suggest that Mick F e-mails Severnlink to get a call to book his trip as soon as the service starts.
It is also worth squeaker highlighting the inclusiveness of the IOW Flying Cat service(?) in accepting all types of cycle (and presumably wheelchairs which are not the SUV-sized battery monsters) width of gangway - 80-90cm?
dave holladay wrote:It is also worth squeaker highlighting the inclusiveness of the IOW Flying Cat service(?) in accepting all types of cycle (and presumably wheelchairs which are not the SUV-sized battery monsters) width of gangway - 80-90cm?
Trice is a tad under 90cm with mudguards. IIRC it was the loading ramp at Pompey that was a tight fit, but the ferry company staff were very helpful (useful: as the Trice had 2 full panniers and a top bag on it).
When buying a trike it is worth remembering that a standard domestic doorway tends to be 80cm as does the RVAR minimum width for wheelchair access on trains.
The RIBA/RIAS guidance for wheelchair access sets a minimum width of 90cm for corridors and Sustrans access chicanes are set up with a 90cm clearance (when they are built properly).
At 70 cm you cannot self-propel most wheelchairs without smashing your knuckles.
Can't get your trike through then worth checking if they meet wheelchair access requirements....
BTW have you sampled the WAM-Train yet At least 10 bikes and 30 minutes faster Cardiff to Bangor (via Crewe). We need to see if it can be used for some extra trips as it is paid for by the hour (of use) and delivered as a separate contracted service unlike most of the other trains which are leased by the franchise. Perhaps an opportunity for an Open Access service like the new weekend train to Fort William with a promised capacity of over 100 bikes and around 450 seats....
