Severn Bridge

[timpitt77]

Hi Guys
Moving back to Wales from London and I am looking for some advice.

I am planning to live in Newport and commute over the new bridge to Bristol on a come wind or shine basis.

However I was interested in the come wind part of the equation, is it plain foolish? Commuted in all weather for years, but London doesn't have the same geographical challenge that severn estuary can muster.

Any advice greatly appreciated..

 

[The White Rabbit]

New bridge nothing like as bad as old bridge as it has wind breaks spoiling the view and rarely gets a speed reduction because of wind. There will be a few days a year when the wind estuary way (I live on the estuary but don't ride much) gets a bit hairy. Do beware the mobile camera van that parks on a gantry over the 50 limit approaching the tolls though. A big section of the M4 near Newport is a 50 for 'safety' now, but that's mainly irritating if you are going all the way by Newport. There usually bike coppers hiding there, but I think cameras are coming soon.

 

[bladerunner]

I don't think you are being foolish.

The new bridge is not too bad for wind - my GSA has no real problems, a faired bike may sway a bit some days.

The van on the bridge will not be able to get your number if you are on a bike

Bikes do not pay


Snow/ice VERY rare - maybe one week per year max.

 

[luckylucian]

You will find it to be wetter in Cardiff, but you'll dry out most days 'cos the sun will be shining in Bristol.

New bridge has wind defectors (put there for the high sided vehicles) but they work well with bikes too, sometimes less traffic on the old bridge so you can vary your route but it is more windy.

Bikes have to pause at the tolls (into Wales) so they can log how many free bikes go through the tolls, so just filter to the front of the queue, wait for the attendant to give you a wave and off you go.

Keep an eye out for upcoming concerts in Cardiff, as you can expect the traffic to be heavier.

Most drivers are half asleep (so no change there)

 

[Dickieboy]

The only foolish thing your doing is going to live in Newport WTF have you or would you 'choose' to live in Newport

 

[timpitt77]

The only foolish thing your doing is going to live in Newport WTF have you or would you 'choose' to live in Newport

Its a family thing. Born and raised a Newport boy, but took a while coming to terms with my return! It does at least get me a great deal more house and the port does have one or two nice areas (OK maybe one nice area at a push).

London has taught me that its not were you live but how easy is it to get somewhere nice!!

 

[alimey4u2]

He's right, Newport real estate cheaper than Brisle areal..

 

[Dickieboy]

Its a family thing. Born and raised a Newport boy, but took a while coming to terms with my return! It does at least get me a great deal more house and the port does have one or two nice areas (OK maybe one nice area at a push).

London has taught me that its not were you live but how easy is it to get somewhere nice!!

Newport born myself, Mum and two brothers still living there but I wouldn't go back for a gold calf

Have a look around Chepstow, Usk, Abergavenny

 

[timpitt77]

Well thanks for your advice guys. I think I will give it my best shot 365 days of year, unless out on the raz in which case the train will do just fine.

Think I will invest in a heated jacket. I say that every year but will see it through this year. Maybe even a Gaucho style leg cover!! Thinking about it this bridge business may be useful leverage with her indoors to buy a fair bit of kit

 

[luckylucian]

Go visit the H-G shop with £850 notes in your pocket and you'll be fine

 

[Andy Higgins]

Not a problem 99.9% of the time, but have a look at this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7873359.stm