Bicycle Permit Program Rules & Information

The Bicycle Permit Program was developed to promote bicycle use as an alternative mode of transportation on Washington State Ferries. We recognize that bicycle commuting lessens traffic congestion, improves air quality and reduces our dependencies on fossil fuels. When participants register for an annual $20 permit with WSF, the bicycle surcharge is waived. Passenger fares are due at the time of travel. The Bicycle Pass Program is not valid on the San Juan Island routes.

Who can participate in the Bicycle Permit Program?
Anyone with a bicycle can participate in the program. This program is recommended for passengers who regularly travel with their bikes aboard the ferries. The more you participate in the program, the greater the savings. In other words, a regular commuter who travels five days a week aboard the ferries with their bike can save $175 (annually) over the regular fare.

Do Program Members Need to Renew Their Permit?
Yes. WSF will mail renewal forms to all permit holders in advance of expiration of their current permit, however, to assure continuity of your permit please be aware of the experation date and plan to renew accordingly.  Please be sure to notify us if you change your mailing address during the year.

Bicycle Loading and Off-Loading:
Auto Ferries: Bicycles will load first on most WSF auto ferries unless the group is so large that it requires special loading. Once on board, please proceed to the front (bow) of the vessel unless otherwise directed by the ferry crew. Bicyclists arriving after cars have begun loading will be held in the terminal’s bicycle section and loaded last, just prior to departure. Bicyclists loaded last must secure their bicycles at the back (stern) of the vessel. Once the ferry arrives at its destination, bicycles at the bow of the vessel will off-load first, bicycles at the stern will off-load after vehicles.  It is not permissable to move bicycles to the front of the vessel through already loaded vehicles.

Passenger-Only Ferries: Bicycle loading on the passenger-only ferries varies depending on the vessel and the time of day. Ask WSF staff for directions if in doubt about the bicycle loading procedure.

Seattle/Bainbridge Island, Seattle/Bremerton Bicycle Loading and Off-Loading:
During commute hours (4am-10am, 2pm-8pm), when demand is present, one lane on the ferry will be left clear of vehicle traffic as long as possible for a mid-load opportunity, to allow late arrivals to move to the bow of the boat. Once cars begin filling the open lane, bicyclists will be held and loaded last. Late loading bicycles must secure their bicycles and remain at the stern of the vessel. When the vessel is off-loaded bikes secured at the stern will be allowed to unload after the lower outside wings are clear of all vehicles. Any bicyclists missing this opportunity will be off-loaded after all vehicles have been off-loaded.

Vashon/Fauntleroy/Southworth Loading and Off-Loading:
During commute hours (4am-10am, 2pm-8pm) the deck crew shall make every effort to load vehicles in the wings to maximize the lane space between vehicles. On this route only, cyclists are not required to remain at the stern of the vessel and may move their bicycles foward through the wing lanes as long as at least one wheel remains on the deck. Cyclists wishing to offload with walk-on cusotmers must walk their bicycles. 

Purchasing Tickets:
Unless otherwise indicated at the terminal, bicyclists shall be processed in the same manner as motorists. You may purchase tickets for the passenger fare in a variety of ways including at the terminal kiosks, toll booths, online at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/wave2go/, or at selected retail locations. If you are a frequent commuter WSF encourages you to sign up for an automatically loaded monthly pass, this may be done via the Internet at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/wave2go/. In organized large bicycle groups, it is requested that a single group leader submits a travel schedule and purchase tickets at least one business day prior to the scheduled sailing time.

Where Do I Put The Permit?
Along with your permit, WSF will send you, free of charge, an armband into which your permit can be inserted and scanned at the toll booth. The bicycle permit may be transferred from one bicycle to another. While not a requirement for obtaining a bicycle permit, WSF strongly encourages customers to attach a sticker with the bike permit number (sent to customers along with the permit) to their bicycle, under the seat or on the frame. This sticker, along with the permit, enables ferry crews to quickly recognize program participants, which speeds up the boarding process for bicyclists. Additionally, if a bicycle is left onboard after offloading, the sticker allows WSF to identify and contact the owner.

Storing Your Bicycle and Gear:
Sometimes, it may be necessary for deck crew to provide directions for securing your bicycle to avoid interference with lines, maintenance work, fire and boat drills, or vessel emergency procedures. Otherwise, bicyclists may secure their equipment by whatever means practical to avoid damage to the bikes and other vehicles in the area. The use of eyebolts on the bulkheads is optional.

Bicycle Shoes
Bicycle shoes with exposed cleats may not be worn in the passenger cabins.

Permit Replacement Process:
Report Lost/Stolen Permits to Washington State Ferries. Replacements cost $5; one per permit cycle is allowed at this price. A second replacement within a year costs $20. A registered bicycle without a valid permit present when traveling will have to pay the bicycle surcharge.  Complete and send Affidavit of Lost/Stolen Permit with payment for replacement to:

Bicycle Permit Program
Washington State Ferries
Revenue Accounting/F699999
PO Box 3985
Seattle, WA 98124-3985

A Safety Reminder:
WSF supports safe cycling. Under Washington State law, bicycles are vehicles and are required to obey all laws applicable to motor vehicles. Please ride legally. Stop at stop signs and stoplights. Signal your turns and stops. Do not drive the wrong way down one-way corridors. Do not ride and weave your bicycle through parked traffic at the ferry terminals. Do not ride your bicycle on sidewalks. Ride as close to the right side of the roadway as is safe. You are sharing Washington State Ferry facilities with motorists and pedestrians. Please ride safely.

By clicking here I certify that I understand and accept the above program rules.