Which severn bridge and is it free for bikes?

[Monsieur]

Planning on a quick trip from Lincolnshire to Merthyr Tydfil but want to ride back via the severn bridge - looking at the map there are two of them

Which bridge is the best for bikes?
Which offers the best scenery?
How much for bikes?

Ta

 

[wessie]

Bikes are free on both bridges (other vehicles only pay a toll to enter Wales so you won't even have to queue at a toll booth)

The best views are from the old (M48) bridge which crosses the Severn from Chepstow to Aust services. If you go to the services there is a viewpoint to look back across the river.

The new bridge is the best one to use in windy weather as it has wind deflectors so that bikes & lorries can use it in all weathers. Unfortunately, these deflectors block your view as they did not have the foresight to make them from perspex, as they did at Millau.

 

[Monsieur]

Thanks Wessie

Do I ride to any toll booth or is there a specific one for bikes?

 

[Doughboy]

Do I ride to any toll booth or is there a specific one for bikes?

Just go to an one (which indicates payment - ie Not TAG) and wait until the guy gives you the nod and lifts the barrier.

 

[Monsieur]

Thanks Doughboy

A much better experience than the humber bridge then

 

[GrinningGSer]

Beware that on both bridges westbound, the speed limit is cut abruptly to 50mph before the toll booths and the scamera vans are regularly perched on bridges waiting for anyone who does not slow down. Easy pickings.
You dont want to be caught 20mph over,or more, which is easily done...

 

[alimey4u2]

Check in advance, I came over a few days ago across the old bridge ( Aust ) & there was a sign up saying it would be closed. For what duration/times/dates, I don't know....

 

[Farkas]

Check in advance, I came over a few days ago across the old bridge ( Aust ) & there was a sign up saying it would be closed. For what duration/times/dates, I don't know....

There is a web site for the bridges which will give any details.

I used to commute across to Cardiff on the bike - going into Wales you need to queue up to go through the toll booths, but I always jumped the queue with no problems and if you trickle up slowly the guy on the booth will spot you, give you a nod and lift the barrier for you. Just mind out for idiots in caravans who do not realise...

The old bridge is very exposed and last time I crossed had some bad surfaces - but this might have been fixed.

Coming back on the newer bridge there is a some wind turbulence from the barrier/tower when it is very windy, which gives you a wobble feeling like a flat tyre on the inside lane eastbound at about 70/80mph.

There is also sometimes also a copper hiding in one of their raised parking places behind the bridge abutment (eastbound side) on the long hill down to the new bridge on the English side. Also mind out for him when you are westbound as you cannot always spot him on the other side.

 

[alimey4u2]

Yup, I get a fat laser signal when coming off & on the Welsh side, on the old bridge...So be warned...