During the renovation of the Spijkenisser Bridge, cyclists and pedestrians can use a free ferry when the bridge is closed. This also applies to people with mobility scooters. Anne Marie Koopman-Van Kouwen, chair of the Social Domain Advisory Council Nissewaard, tested the accessibility of the ferry with her mobility scooter on behalf of the Accessibility Working Group.
We start this test on the Spijkenisse side. From the right side, cyclists and pedestrians descend the dike towards the ferry. Passengers coming off the ferry go back up via the path on the other side. Because the path on that side is just a little less steep, we previously suggested in a conversation with Rijkswaterstaat whether mobility scooters could also use that path towards the ferry, Anne Marie explains.
That was not desirable, the traffic controller present explains. You would be riding against traffic on a narrow path. This easily blocks the path and can create unsafe traffic situations. Anne Marie nods in agreement, she understands the explanation.
Raised Edge
At the raised platform that provides access to the platform where the ferry docks, Anne Marie points to the side. Look, they have made a raised edge here, so you don’t accidentally go over it with your wheels. Its nice that they took that feedback from our first conversation into account.
The entrance to the pontoon goes smoothly, but the entrance to the ferry does not. On the Spijkenisse side, the ferry docks from the side. The thick edge of the side flap means that a helping hand from one of the two skippers is needed. I cant take a run-up here, or Ill crash into the wall behind, Anne Marie explains the situation with some lightheartedness.
You may take a seat on the front deck, the skipper tells her. There are about 20 people on board, young and old, cyclists, scooters. The crossing is relaxed, thanks to a summer sun and a refreshing breeze.
Less Steep
6 minutes later, on the Hoogvliet side, Anne Marie drives off the ferry via the wide front flap. This flap is, unlike the side flap, thin and flat, so it goes smoothly. From the pontoon to the solid ground, the slope is a bit steeper, but driving off goes well too. The traffic controller asks the waiting cyclists and scooters to make some space.
They have made this threshold less steep than at the beginning, fortunately. We had previously asked if that was possible. After the turn, we drive onto the newly paved path on the Hoogvliet side. That looks neat. At the end of the path, there are still some small potholes in the pavement. But thats no problem for my mobility scooter.
Back again, the slope to the platform for the mobility scooter turns out to be a bit too steep. The traffic controller present comes to help. We have seen at least 4 people with mobility scooters today. Some manage to get on. And if not, we are here. We have never had to leave anyone behind.
Not Everything Can Be Solved
On the Spijkenisse side, Anne Marie gets a push again to get over the ferry flap. She then drives off the pontoon, turns right along the dike, and goes back up. Mission accomplished! This is now the 2nd time Ive been on this trip. My judgment is positive. Where possible, some changes have been made based on our first feedback. And we must also be realistic that not everything can be solved. The crossing is now manageable, even though sometimes a helping hand is needed. If you are with someone who can give you a push, that is of course nice. Otherwise, there is always a traffic controller or skipper nearby.
Finally, Anne Marie has one tip: A reflective strip at the top of each slope would be nice. This way, the height difference can also be seen well in the dark.
More Information
For all practical information about the ferry and the current planning of the works, visit the page Oude Maas: renovation Spijkenisser Bridge.