A View from the Handlebars: Ferry Welcome

CycHull member Ann Hutchinson gets the wind in her sails for a ride along the Humber

It was a sunny winter’s day for my bike ride along the Humber from the centre of Hull to the P&O ferry terminal. But, boy, was it windy!

Setting off over Murdoch’s connection, the new foot and cycle bridge over the A63, I rode down past the Marina and the Deep.

Now that the flood protection work has been completed the path along the river is open and provides great views over to the Humber bridge, Lincolnshire and the bank of the Humber stretching all the way to Spurn point. 

As you approach Siemens wind turbine factory the path heads inland a little and then skirts around the Siemens factory affording great views of the huge turbine blades. The path then continues on all the way to the ferry terminal.

There are a few barriers across the path at various points. Although I found them straightforward to cycle through, and I think most cargo bikes could get through, they may cause some accessibility problems for example for someone on a trike.

I found the path in good condition all the way except one pile of glass that I’ve reported to the council. If you ever need to ask the council to clean a road or cycle path then you can request it here https://www.hull.gov.uk/roads-and-pavements/pavements/street-cleaning

Just before the ferry departure area, there is an area open to the public with great views all along the Humber. It would be great if a bench and a bike rack could be placed here. 

There is a segregated cycle path right up to the ferry terminal and from here you can board a ferry to the Netherlands. Maybe one day I’ll make that journey taking my bike with me!

I had a look around the port area to see if I could find somewhere safe to store a bike at the terminal and only found a rather dismal place. The port should look into sprucing this up a bit and making it more secure.

All this made me think about how good it would be to have a cycle hire hub here so that ferry passengers have an alternative to going to Hull by car. Maybe a few cargo bikes to rent could come in handy for those with luggage. If people could hire bikes at the port and drop them off at one of a few different sites around Hull that would really encourage people to use them.

This cycle path is one continuous strip from city to port, safe and traffic free. What a way to enter our lovely city!