New bike gate delayed
WSF says it will not be putting the automated entry gate for bicyclists into operation before November. The delay may even extend into December. Regular commuters will have seen the curb ramps and other changes at Coleman Dock over the summer in anticipation of the new entrance, which will allow bicyclists to scan monthly, other passes and multi-rider tickets without paying either the individual $1 surcharge for a bike or the annual pass. When the new entry goes into operation, bicycle commuters with the multiple ride passes and tickets will be able to bypass the auto line and scan their passes/multi-ride tickets to pay for their ferry trip. However, WSF plans to phase out the staffed ticket entry north of MacDonald's, requiring all riders to enter via the auto toolbooth. WSF communications manager Suan Harris-Heuther is working on an explanatory brochure with details of best routes for bicyclists to get to the auto gate.
A planned second meeting of a bicycle-issues committee is due to take place in October or early November. If you have issues you want raised, contact Gordon Black This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Ross Hathaway This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Annual bicycle permits will no longer be available. Starting Oct. 1, all customers (except those traveling to San Juan Islands or Sidney B.C.) with monthly passes, multi-ride cards or ORCA e-purse may travel without paying the bicycle surcharge. In the San Juan Islands, customers paying with a multi-ride card may travel without paying the bicycle surcharge. Current bicycle surcharges will continue to be collected on all routes for passengers paying applicable single trip fares. Bicycle surcharges will remain at their current level.

On Wed., Aug. 24, the Washington State Transportation Commission adopted new ferry fares on all routes, which include changes for bicycle customers.
Bicycle permits that expire on or before Oct. 1, may continue to be used until Oct. 1. A bicycle permit issued in August will be refunded at $20.00 to the credit card used when the purchase was made. If you did not purchase your pass with a credit card, call 206.515.3464 for assistance. More information on the Commission’s adopted ferry fares is available at www.wstc.wa.gov/