Taking Bike on Fast Cat, Pompey-Ryde IOW

[toby123]

Hello,

will I be OK taking my ordinary push-bike on the above ferry? Will I also be OK in the Island Line? Just making sure, don't want any nasty shocks.

Thanks vm for any answer.

 

[automatic_jon]

Bikes are fine on the Cat, I've not taken mine on (I get the hovercraft, which is more restrictive) but those who do tell me it's no problem. I can't speak for the trains on the island, they're old metropolitan line rolling stock so not that spacious inside but it's worth a go. Otherwise the island is very pretty and you could do a lot worse than cycling to your destination, it's hardly a large area.

 

[Norm]

Not sure about Wightlink but Red Funnel (Southampton to West Cowes) don't allow bikes on their Red Jet fast cats but carry them f.o.c. on their car ferries.

Wightlink also say that they carry bikes free, but not whether this is on all services. They do have a pretty good guide for riding on the island, but I can't see confirmation that they'll carry bikes on the fast cats. As they sponsor a cycling team, you'd think that they'd make it more obvious.

This page on H2G2 suggests that they carry them, although that page originated 10 years ago, it's usually pretty well updated and they still use the same cats on the route.

Best way might be to call Wightlink on 0871 376 1000.

Or, because I spent so long faffing around, you could just check out automatic jon's answer.

 

[Archie]

Lots of bikes heading to the fast cat last September for the BHF round-the-island ride. I don't think you'll have a problem, but a quick post in the rides forum should catch the attention of someone that's done this before.

 

[ufkacbln]

Neither has a problem if you are sensible.

Avoid the rush hour and you will be fine.

 

[toby123]

Thanks for the info. I am hoping to do a ride around the island, when the weather's warmer.

 

[Arthur]

I've always used the Portsmouth-Ryde FastCat to get my bike over for the randonnee. They're quite happy to take bikes at no extra cost, however you will have to leave your bike leaning against an outside handrail for the crossing (all passengers must be seated inside) so you might want to take a bungee cord or a bit of rope to secure it.