Japan Bike Storage
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189)
Sun 2008/12/14 12:24
Heard about these underground bicycle parking cylinders but never seen on in action until yesterday - was impressed. A very cute girl came along to park her bicycle and let me take some pics - love those knee-down garnments.
These 'Gates' is where bicycles are parked and retrieved.
At each gate there is a simple card reader. One has to take out a monthly contract to use these ones but there are some around Tokyo where anybody can park their bicycle.
The young lady swipes her card and a few seconds later the doors open. She docks the front wheel of her bicycle...
...and it gets pulled in to the dock. Doors close swiftly after. Took a video of the bicycle park in action - but the young lady had gone by then so you will have to make do with two kind men instead.
Higher res at youtube.com/watch?v=yIHrmN_ptJc.
This is what the bicycle park looks like underground.
The Eco Cycle can store up to 144 bicycles underground - retrieval and storage in seconds. The longest it takes is 10 seconds.
The company who makes this is Giken who also make stuff like tidal and flood defense systems @.@
The Eco Cycle caters for bicycles which are less than 1,950mm in length and less than 1,250mm in height. Tyre size has to be less than 28 inches. Interesting how the Japanese use a mixture of mm, cm and inches.
It costs 2,600 yen for a monthly ticket to use the park. Students pay 1,300 yen.
It costs 2,600 yen for a monthly ticket to use the park. Students pay 1,300 yen.
A few rules of what needs to be removed before using the park.
Info and guidance on the display. The video clip below shows what these parking units looks like underground.
And this is what other areas of Jiyu ga oka looked like yesterday without Eco Cycle parks. As the bicycle is a main form of transport in Japan, parking them is a major problem.
Here is an example of how problematic parking can be. Folks end up leaving their bicycles everywhere.
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Mon 12/08 21:03 comments (152)
Kendo Kid / 大学生
Even though I'm in a city people tend to drive alot. I walk like most students on campus, but if I had a bike I would try this type of parking no matter the price.
(ID #411115) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:00
Student, webpenguin/designer, programmer, Mac addict
Lots of people ride bikes at my school, but there isn't nearly enough bike parking on campus--and the school keeps threatening to impound and cite the owners of bikes locked to railings, &c, anything but bike racks. We could definitely use something like this on campus ^^
(ID #411132) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:08
Blogger & Former Tentacle Support
Yeah, this is a great idea! It gives me a James Bond feeling when the bike pops in and out! I wonder why it hasn't caught on yet with areas that have heavy bike traffic like colleges?
(ID #411307) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:59
because it cheaper to buy those small metal bike racks than it is to buy one of those machines...
(ID #411368) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:17
afatcow (Registered on 2008/08/28 17:59)
but, in a place like japan, large spacey bike rack areas are probably more expensive than this more compact system. besides the fact that its hella cool to begin with. but in most other places, im sure its a bunch cheaper to just buy a bit more land, like you said
(ID #412783) Posted on 2008/12/15 17:00
Blogger & Former Tentacle Support
That's true, but wouldn't it be cool if it did catch on in other places like America?
(ID #413677) Posted on 2008/12/16 11:09
>>no matter the price I don't think so. Well, considering that the parking cost for a car in Japan far exceeds the cost of the car itself...
(ID #411372) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:22
awesome, and no bikes ever get lost? rfid?
(ID #417462) Posted on 2008/12/19 06:47
That's crazy o.o Everyone around here drives, you hardly see any bicycles, mostly because there's snow on the ground for half the year.
(ID #411119) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:02
Snow is no excuse for not riding bike. I ride year round.
(ID #411188) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:52
There's also the issue of distance. My city builds out rather than up so nothing is close to each other.
(ID #411397) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:04
Professional Panhandler
Agreed...some parking lots will probably take you a minute or two to get across on a bike
(ID #412815) Posted on 2008/12/15 17:41
whoa...it feels like I'm living in the future lol
(ID #411124) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:04
lol @ the video all your base are belong to us?
(ID #411127) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:05
Kendo Kid / 大学生
I just noticed that. I lol'd really hard
(ID #411165) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:33
Looking for work again
I saw that as well. I thought it was a very nice touch ^_^
(ID #411199) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:01
student , otaku and awesome blogger
I think that bike storage is a great idea because it takes away the fear of someone stealing your bike
(ID #411130) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:06
Software Quality Engineer
Not only that-- your bicycle is stored safely inside during rain/snow storms and I would imagine people save money on repairs and maintenance!
(ID #411192) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:54
that's really nice. I would really like to see that in singapore =D
(ID #411133) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:09
I really like this way of parking bikes. It's so efficient usage of space. I do wonder about queues during rush our to park the bikes. It would suck to miss the train because somebody in front of you spent ages parking. It's also good in the way that your bike will be kept safe from thieves and vandals. Here bikes are parked everywhere which can even block traffic. It's a major problem here that people leave bikes where they are suppoed to be parked and then they never come back. It's presumed that it happens with stolen bikes but some of them aren't reported stolen. The solution is whenever the bike parking is out of room, some public worker shows up and puts tape on all the bikes. It's placed so it sticks to the wheel and some non-moving part, meaning if the bike is used, the tape will either fall off or break. Two weeks later they show up with a lorry and picks up all the bikes with unbroken tape. If the bikes aren't reported stolen, then they are sold at auction. Since the bike might be broken or have hidden defects you can get really cheap bikes that way. You also get documentation that you bought it legally in case somebody decides to report it stolen later. I think the unsold ones are sold as scap metal. They are usually in a bad condition anyway if nobody wants to buy them.
(ID #411136) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:12
I concur about the queues during rush hour. 10 seconds/per person can really add up if there are enough people lined up
(ID #411333) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:47
Otaku-in-training
Genius! Bicycle are fifth most common form of transport used in my region (next to motorcycle and moped). I don't think I'll be seeing this type of bicycle parking in my region anytime in the future.
(ID #411137) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:13
Holy crap! Thats cool!! Downtown Toronto is hectic to get around in. Due to the traffic in the downtown core area, traveling by bicycle is quite common. Thief of bicycles are also quite common too... my uni just opened a bicycle storage room for students. I think it was $90 for one semester... its not as cool and more expensive than this.
(ID #411138) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:13
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
That's pretty nice and I wish that there is something like this here in Canada... Better then locking it outside...I feel this system is a lot safer...
(ID #411139) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:13
Programming Student
that's really convenient. once again japan pulls it off. i'm guessing only japan has this at the moment right?
(ID #411143) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:17
Student artist
I remember reading about this. This seem very efficient in conserving space especially for japan
(ID #411145) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:18
ALL YOUR BIKES ARE BELONG TO US. Well, again, we don't have much people who bike here. So this thing might as well be utilized for cars. Man.. I appreciate those kind men, but where did the kind lady go T^T
(ID #411146) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:19
Hotdog Repairman
Amazing innovation. Japan, you never cease to impress. Now where is my maid robot?
(ID #411148) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:20
I haven't seen any yet. There is a nurse robot though ^^
(ID #411521) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:02
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
I can't live without my bike. My methods of transportation is either bike or subway. Anywhere within bus distance I use my bike. Since a bus ticket is like equivalent to a bottle of paint XD
(ID #411151) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:21
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
lol, did you just flash us a "all your bases are belong to us"? anyway it is increadible that such a small spot on the sidewalk was really a giant bicycle parking storage underground. >the young lady had gone by then so you will have to make do with two kind gentlemen instead. lol that almost sounded yaoi. ^^;
(ID #411155) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:26
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
btw if there was something like this in the Philippines, chances are someone would have probably tried to stick in a motorcycle into the machine. ^^
(ID #411161) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:29
Amazing bicycle storage!!
(ID #411156) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:26
haha looks so much more futuristic than what we have in canada... for the most part people in canada drive (little bikers, even in the summer at least in my city). ummm... especially in the prairies, we have tons of space, so we don't have any kinda high tech car parking thing like they do in SG... we just use like huge parking lots (haha... sometimes i have to walk for like 10 minutes across the parking lot before i finally get to my car).
(ID #411162) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:30
Student
Whoa! That's a nice storage! Lots of space! :D We mostly use cars. >< if no cars available, walking is our alternative then the bus.
(ID #411167) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:34
former Emperor of Britannia
WHOA!~ I'm amazed again at this. 10 secs tops on retrieval on your bike is really neat. Wish this would be available here in Clovisland.
(ID #411168) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:35
Omg underground bicycle silos. This sounds awesome.. but what if there's a quake =/
(ID #411172) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:39
24/7 Otaku / 100% Haruhiist
Wow, this is something else! But I don't think there are enough cyclists where I live to have such a setup. Everyone tends to drive around here.
(ID #411175) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:40
Once again, I'm amazed by Japan...
(ID #411178) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:45
US Navy Sailor
Wow, so futuristic. In Japan, I walk pretty much everywhere. Too much base hastle to own a bike. In America, everywhere is rediculously spaced out requiring a car all the time. Heck, they don't even have sidewalks in Houston, just drainage ditches.
(ID #411180) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:47
cool parking idea. buses, cars bikes and autos (a three passenger three wheeler) are major part of transport (only next to trains) here. there are people who do rife bicycles, but they are at a risk since most of the people drive like morons at high speeds here. something like this coming here is just a fantasy.
(ID #411181) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:47
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
People usual either walk or take the bus but where my Grandparents live, I see alot of people riding bicycles...
(ID #411182) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:48
Wow this is pretty awesome, totally reminds me of that one scene from IRobot where they had something just likes this just with cars. But how much do theses things cost to maintain let alone build.
(ID #411183) Posted on 2008/12/14 12:48
Bikes are pretty common where I live, but then, I live on a college campus.
(ID #411202) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:03
Student/Music Producer/Web Designer
Nice! That's really cool- makes me wish America would look at things like this. Then again- nevermind. lol. Some of us don't even know what a bicycle looks like anymore. ><;
(ID #411208) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:07
Electrical Engineering Fresh Graduate
woaa, that's neat o_O not much people riding bikes in indonesia, maybe years ago when there are lots of them. But then, motorcycle becomes cheaper and more affordable to buy, people tends to ride motorcycle everywhere. Some of our folks has been campaigning people to start riding bikes again to works/school. They are called "Bike2Work". Yep, the same b2w campaign in all around the world. Their site in bahasa, http://www.b2w-indonesia.or.id/
(ID #411209) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:07
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
Can anyone say "Disguised missile silo"? *goes watches apocalyptic movie*
(ID #411213) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:11
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
im going to wait until the inevitable niconico/youtube movie where someone 'accidentally' leaves a camcorder recording in their front basket....... yes...... ^^"
(ID #411223) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:17
Bicycles are more popular in some towns here, I think. Thinking, what if a kid when in instead of a bicycle? Or if a kid went in on his bicycle?
(ID #411216) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:12
ooh o_o good idea...
(ID #412131) Posted on 2008/12/15 05:20
Student
An excellent way to maximize space, it seems to me a very good system
(ID #411235) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:38
one probably will get skin cancer if cycling under the sun and rain here daily, but i guess it's really good for environment. and lol@ the bg music of that clip, it's cute.
(ID #411236) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:39
Game Designer & 2D Artist
No room for bikes at my place T_T God, I miss Holland
(ID #411237) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:39
you wonder why there's no food
all the bikes here are mostly sport bikes with gears etc. hence most bikes are used for sport/ exercise rather then transport~
(ID #411239) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:41
Student & Authorized Chicken Slapper
omg that is too cool, Oh man I never seen one of these things and am sure that I won't be seeing them outside of Japan anytime soon. But it does make me think wtf would happen if theres a ssmall jam or something, like a vending machine that eats your dollar but doesnt give you ur soda. WTF do you do?!? Waiting there to get your bike back would suck if that happened.
(ID #411242) Posted on 2008/12/14 13:44
Woodcrafter/3D Modeler
I don't know if the japanese mix measurement system in other uses, but tyre/wheel size is one of the few things that's always measured in inches, no matter were you are (the other thing that comes to mind is screen size). Sometimes, in countries that use metric system, the metric size is stated between brackets.
(ID #411252) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:05
don't see many people using bicycles now.. usually see primary and secondary school students using them. the school's should implement this system.. definitely will give the discipline teachers something else to fuss about
(ID #411253) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:05
that's so cool!
(ID #411255) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:09
王オタク ｘ 天才様
There's something like this for cars too. Of course it's way bigger ^^; http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/cesena/ It's great to store bikes like this, definitely more secure. I wonder when someone will try riding it themselves though haha.
(ID #411261) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:12
I would love to have these around here but we don't use our bikes as often as other people. Everything here is spaced too far to walk or bike to. We have to bus or drive all the time.
(ID #411268) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:17
You see a lot of bicyclers around here. Even unicyclists. Every now and then there's a segway user but they are very rare.
(ID #411270) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:19
Computer geek by day, computer geek by night
Coolest thing I've seen all day. At first I thought it was just a concept. Amazing.
(ID #411276) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:23
Website Producer, Amateur Voice Actor
I'm really impressed with this technology. I truly do wish bicycling was as common in America as it is in other Eastern countries. It makes a huge difference, but it was in Japan that I became more afraid of being run over by a cyclist than a car, haha.
(ID #411281) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:31
that's very space saving, and neat too
(ID #411282) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:31
university film student
Wow - I had no idea they went that far down. When I read underground bike storage I thought it'd just be a story or two. When I was reading this I was reminded of all those cheesy slogans: "The Future is Now". Of course, it's more like "Canada's distant FUTURE IS available in Japan NOW." >< Here in Toronto most people are still trying to wrap their heads around the idea of using a bike as a viable mode of transportation. It has to a lot to do with the fact that most of the city is suburban and commuting distance is much longer though.
(ID #411295) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:41
it totally reminds me of iRobot where the movie showed the car parking lot! Its efficient but perhaps one was foolish enough to fall in the pit of bicycles...
(ID #411301) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:52
Still Student (I Think)
There are underground car storage too just like the bikes. Of course the underground cyclinder is way more bigger than bikes one.
(ID #411304) Posted on 2008/12/14 14:58
I think this would be a viable solution to the park and ride system. By park I was talking about bike. I mean if there is a good way to store the bike near downtown or work location and provide a good mass transport system to that location, I think people might try switching to bikes. However the above does not apply in Hong Kong, since I know a lot of people don't know how to ride and some should stay off from riding for the rider and pedestrian safety. Also we are used to walking from the nearest bus or MTR station (underground metro train system in HK) to work. We have a vast network of public transport and rarely would require to head to place that could not be access this way. (Beside we properly would take the taxi there if that's the case. =P) I'm all for adding bikes into the transportation equation, but the city and the people are not interested. So I guess it's not going to happen anytime soon.
(ID #411314) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:11
More cities need things like these D: Vancouver has a wee problem with theft. Just a bit.
(ID #411321) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:27
Wish we had these...>w<''
(ID #411324) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:32
I saw a video of this on <a href="http://web-japan.org/jvt/">Japan Video Topics</a> a few years ago. It's really interesting, and I think they're planning to do (or have done?) something similar for cars. BTW, that show is fun to watch hehe.
(ID #411327) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:39
Woo. That's uber cool. And the monthly rates are quite affordable too. Ingenious space saving ideas.
(ID #411330) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:41
Otaku
Yeah over here in summer many people lost their bikes thanks to thieves.
(ID #411331) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:41
Full-time student へへ
did you wait long for her to come along? ^^
(ID #411336) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:52
CEO MIrai Inc
Fate knew we were waiting so she came along pretty soon ^^; Same goes for the other two gents.
(ID #411341) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:56
That's wonderful. It's great to see cycling as a form of transportation rather than as a sport as viewed here in the US. Wish they had these around here so that bike parking is made easier.
(ID #411346) Posted on 2008/12/14 15:59
Student & Part time worker in a Day Care
wow those things are amazing. NY city just now started making parking spaces for bikes, probably a few more decades before they use that idea.
(ID #411349) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:00
Mmm leg warmers... x3
(ID #411351) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:03
Sadly, bicycles are more of a sport here in California. But I've seen these machines in action in Japan. WAY COOL!
(ID #411357) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:06
It's all about cars in the U.S. People bike around campuses in schools that are big though. I walk because it's good exercise. Those machines are pretty convenient though. The worth depends on how many places have those storages I guess.
(ID #411362) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:11
that is really cool, I wish we had something like that here. Bikes are stolen even when locked up, this would prevent theft a lot better than just bike chains. I personally walk or ride bike or use public transportation everywhere I go.
(ID #411365) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:14
That is so awesome *_* When I was in Japan, I always wondered how people would find their bikes. They were everywhere and looked identical...
(ID #411366) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:14
It seems like a good idea, wish they'd implement it over here! Eco-friendly, getting people to stop using cars when they dont need to etc.
(ID #411370) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:20
Otaku / Student in Computer Science
Very good invention ^^
(ID #411374) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:29
now...like that...i would ride my bike anywhere. I paid 2000 dollars for it
(ID #411383) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:42
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Awesome! And I was talking about this just a few days ago too, on a member post about japanese car parkings. Some people use bikes here in Brazil... and specifically the city where I live, is one of the few that has an extensive bikeway through the city. But they are not nearly as common as in Japan unfortunately.... I get a lot of ash that comes from heavy traffic everyday on my appartment.
(ID #411386) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:48
A lot of people use bikes here but not enough to warrant building one of those high tech storage devices! ^^
(ID #411387) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:49
bike parking is a common problem in the neighbourhood I live in too. I mostly end up shunning the designated bike parks so I can park somewhere else more conveniently (but illegally).
(ID #411389) Posted on 2008/12/14 16:55
uncreative (Registered on 2008/08/16 01:50)
I saw a news report on this a few months ago. Very unique.
(ID #411393) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:00
It's a nice idea, but they're gonna need a lot more room than that and designated bike parking areas are usually free, so I guess it's a give a take...
(ID #411400) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:06
No but they sould be , Sadly I live in the part of Texas where everything is so spread out that any alternative form of transportation is near impossible .
(ID #411401) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:07
This is so cool, I wish they have these where I live.
(ID #411407) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:23
lol with out car in my place I can't go anywhere, bus wouldn't help at all...
(ID #411409) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:32
anime/cosplay events organizer
With the oil and gasoline prices sky rocketing here, bicycles are getting the more attention as a healthy, eco-friendly alternative means of transportation here. And that's what we need here ^____^
(ID #411414) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:41
Bikes might seem cheap on the surface, but they become significantly less so when you have to another one every 2,3 months. (after they are stolen, you see.) Although having these parking spots might greatly alleviate the problem, getting our rather inept government to actually do it would be next to impossible. /rant
(ID #411416) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:50
Designer
I'm wondering what if during earthquake? One that is not big enough to shake buildings... but all the bicycles underground. They will have a difficult time placing the bicycles back.
(ID #411417) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:52
If there were those facilities all over the world, bike would become the main form of transport!
(ID #411420) Posted on 2008/12/14 17:59
Finally a device which will make sure our $6780461023 worth of road bikes can be safely stored! Ingenious!
(ID #411432) Posted on 2008/12/14 18:25
High school student
It's quite dangerous to ride a bicycle here. If you want to get somewhere, you have to go on streets among the cars and they don't care about you. Riding on walkways is prohibited. Practically the only ones I see riding in the streets are messengers.
(ID #411446) Posted on 2008/12/14 18:45
Student, part-time Haruhi wannabe (that bit about godhood etc)
*Group of chikan chasing behind* how much longer? 10-9-8... lol lame jokes aside, it's a pretty cool system:p
(ID #411468) Posted on 2008/12/14 19:14
soon-to-be 2nd year Civil Engineering student
Cool system. It's really rare for bicycles to go on the road here, there's a high risk of getting yourself killed by accident. ^^;;
(ID #411477) Posted on 2008/12/14 19:22
It's not common right now because it's winter in Sweden, but during the summers it's a common form of transport.
(ID #411487) Posted on 2008/12/14 19:29
Heh, when I first started reading this article, I was thinking "has he seen that one vid clip of this guy in one of those underground bike parking things." And sure enough, you linked that same vid I saw a few years ago. I forget from where, probably BoingBoing.
(ID #411517) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:00
closet hikikomori
mmmmm very trust the Japos to save space, and yet make things look neat and interesting. but what happens when there's a malfunction and you end up with someone elses' bike... or what if there's a short circuit or no electricity.. .
(ID #411528) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:05
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 太もも Appreciator
Wow wow wow! Very impressive! I wish we had something like that too here. I'm aware there's actually one that's similar to this for cars too right?
(ID #411532) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:07
software manager
i think i saw that second youtube video on boingboing? at any rate... wish they made a car version of this :P
(ID #411537) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:09
Wow really impressive. I do see people on bicycles but it's usually kids or old people. Everyone else gets around by car. That might be because people don't feel safe leaving their bikes alone so maybe this is just what we need. :)
(ID #411543) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:14
Wow... Japan is amazing. Don't think it is necessary for that in Singapore yet but I gathered for countries like China, underground parking of bicycles would be useful.
(ID #411546) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:16
Bicycles is definitely encouraged in my area but it's not feesible because a everything is far apart. The underground parking for bicycles is definitely something I wouldn't be seeing anytime soon here :-)
(ID #411563) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:27
don't they have something similar for cars?
(ID #411566) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:28
I believe they do.
(ID #411668) Posted on 2008/12/14 22:24
oh god, and i just rode 14km at the behest of a certain friend whom i shall not name... ouch my aching butt.... that aside, i am once again astounded by the ingenuity of the japanese when it comes to stuff like this.
(ID #411594) Posted on 2008/12/14 20:59
Student
Pretty damnn ingenious, the only similar thing I've seen here is some garbage cans which are built deep underground and the upper part to drop the garbage is a normal tube
(ID #411618) Posted on 2008/12/14 21:23
Web monkey, coffee addicted cerberus, Chef Vader
Not as much bikes here in the Philippines as there are scooters. Bane of motorists AND Pedestrians everywhere.
(ID #411625) Posted on 2008/12/14 21:31
very smart, but doesn't seem like it holds enough for a lot of people. you're gonna need these everywhere. i wonder how profitable it is.
(ID #411630) Posted on 2008/12/14 21:48
wow the same system for the bicycle (the Japanese's parking system is the same ^^'' its very amazing)
(ID #411653) Posted on 2008/12/14 22:14
Student
Very futuristic. I wonder how deep it is and what was construction like at that spot? The sign doesn't say it seems. You have to pay but, at least you have a peace of mind using this service. I can see why bikes are common in Japan when it's so crowded and with the transportation seemingly so much more convenient, I don't think many would need cars there. Here, you could say there's "plenty of space" so main form of transport is by car. Don't see many bikes passing by but there is a cycle lane that stretches for miles passing by the park and school.
(ID #411671) Posted on 2008/12/14 22:27
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
This is just awesome stuff! That's another reason why love Japan, they are so inventive when it comes to saving space. And fast too.
(ID #411718) Posted on 2008/12/14 23:19
student
yes, where i am staying atm there's bikes everywhere. Turn your head around and you'll see someone riding towards you. Btw I'm in Kyoto now.
(ID #411727) Posted on 2008/12/14 23:29
In France cities have taken a radically different approach. For a very small price (a few €/year, depending on the cities) you can have unlimited access to a simple bike rental system. It just takes a few seconds to pick a bike or to return it. Still, I feel we would gain much from these silos since bike vandalism and stealing is a huge problem here.
(ID #411749) Posted on 2008/12/14 23:59
Student
This is innovation at its best! Who would have thought of storing your bike underground..
(ID #411757) Posted on 2008/12/15 00:06
Efficiency... I love it!
(ID #411773) Posted on 2008/12/15 00:13
Student during the day, otaku at night, and amateur musician ^_^
At first I thought that the bicycle was just stored inside there. Then I saw how it looks like 'underground'. Just amazing...
(ID #411795) Posted on 2008/12/15 00:31
DCX001-Prototype
wow, these parking system is so cool. Like the one in Volkswagen HQ.
(ID #411803) Posted on 2008/12/15 00:35
This is amazing! Brisbane could use some of these for motorcycles (if one exists) as city parking is limited for motorbikes/scooters
(ID #411838) Posted on 2008/12/15 00:55
Secondary School Student
Coolio!Bicycles' aren't the main transportation here so I don't think Singapore would need it but its still awesome in its own right.Japanese are really creative to come up with these gizmos and storage devices :x
(ID #411872) Posted on 2008/12/15 01:09
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
Seiously wow..... Thats so futuristic... so cool.... just wow.....I mean completely wow!!
(ID #411877) Posted on 2008/12/15 01:12
Damn.. and this is just 2008. I wonder what will they invent in 2020.
(ID #411902) Posted on 2008/12/15 01:36
Future civil engineer but desperate to be an animator
凄い...just could not get enough of Japan's creativity and innovative <3333
(ID #411917) Posted on 2008/12/15 01:47
pixels & photography
amazing urban stuff.
(ID #411942) Posted on 2008/12/15 02:02
Interesting stuff. Though it wouldn't be as practical here as about no one uses bicycles to go around the city. Which reminds me, I haven't been riding a bike for quite a long time.
(ID #411946) Posted on 2008/12/15 02:05
I seriously cannot remember the last time I rode a bicycle and even when I did ride bikes, I never rode it anywhere. Then again, where I live, if you wanted to ride your bike some where, you would need to be a professional rider.
(ID #411987) Posted on 2008/12/15 02:38
When I walked through Kyoto U during my vacation to Japan, I was surprised at all the bicycles there. I swear, each student rides atleast 2 to school! They were parked 2 or 3 rows deep in some places there.
(ID #411991) Posted on 2008/12/15 02:41
What a fantastic idea. Japan is always leading the way in utilizing every inch of space possible in the city. Makes sense since there are so many people on such a small area of land.
(ID #412052) Posted on 2008/12/15 03:42
People use bicycles here frequently, but more for sporting and just riding in the park. They usually use their car to drive to work or to shops.
(ID #412086) Posted on 2008/12/15 04:25
LOL @ in the video one frame reads "Cats: All yours base are belong to us."
(ID #412087) Posted on 2008/12/15 04:27
Bicycles are a very popular form of transport in my hometown which is even known as bicycle capital of Germany. We have underground bicycle parks too, but they aren't fully automatic.
(ID #412090) Posted on 2008/12/15 04:28
in switzerland they have underground bike parkings but this one is trully amazing once again, i'm always impressed by Japanese creativity !!!
(ID #412121) Posted on 2008/12/15 05:11
fredfrogfoot (Registered on 2007/09/01 19:50)
Very cool but must be very expensive to set up and maintain :( Would need to be very reliable too. We all know how annoying it is if the elevator or autoteller is out of order but if your bike got trapped 20m underground and you had to wait for someone to come along and do some repairs :(((
(ID #412204) Posted on 2008/12/15 06:37
Very impressive. Bikes aren't very common in my area, most people commute by car or transit.
(ID #412222) Posted on 2008/12/15 07:16
Unemployed Digital Production Artist
Very cool. When I was in Osaka, these guys definitely needed some sort of parking area: http://www.flickr.com/photos/victor_lee/501245662/in/set-72157600219016742/
(ID #412224) Posted on 2008/12/15 07:20
System Design Engineering (UWaterloo)
Only for a number of months because of the snow and it can cause bikes to deteriorate and deform
(ID #412278) Posted on 2008/12/15 08:34
Once again, it make me jealous japanese
(ID #412282) Posted on 2008/12/15 08:38
Ninja / Engineer / Sensei / 魔法少女 (What!?! I can't be, I'm a guy...)
I'm pretty sure I'm going to get to experience the craziness that is "bike-parking-in-Japan" sometime in the near future.
(ID #412376) Posted on 2008/12/15 09:53
I guess a bike would be useful here, even with the hills and their 60 to 80 degree grades. Just need extra big brakes and ultra-low-low gears. But that would strictly be for local use. A bike would not make sense for many people because they work too far away, the shops are too far away, or the roads are too narrow and dangerous. As for me, everything is too far away for a bike and it's uphill both ways. (^_^)
(ID #412437) Posted on 2008/12/15 10:49
Games addicted
Impressive.
(ID #412438) Posted on 2008/12/15 10:50
I remember seeing something about this. Man, imagine a version of the bike storage buy for cars.
(ID #412515) Posted on 2008/12/15 11:53
OMG Japan is always amazing! ^^;
(ID #412520) Posted on 2008/12/15 11:56
Scientist, unemployed.
When I was in college (Both times) bicycles were used a lot (Especially with Michigan State's draconian parking laws) but elsewhere people drive. Most stuff is too far away.
(ID #412526) Posted on 2008/12/15 12:05
School Owner/Teacher
If you need any pics from Japan "Love Hotels"....let me know;) I go almost everyday :) http://www.waikiki2yanai.blogspot.com
(ID #412543) Posted on 2008/12/15 12:21
IT Executive
its fantastic! o.o so high tech... we could really use this at our MRT stations in singapore...
(ID #412567) Posted on 2008/12/15 12:37
non-elite soldier of the SAF
This underground bike parking thing is really impressive! I wish we have those in my country. It saves space and you dont have to worry about your bike being stolen :)
(ID #412582) Posted on 2008/12/15 12:43
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
... Singapore hasn't reached that level of needing those yet, but soon... ;/
(ID #412621) Posted on 2008/12/15 13:19
IT Executive
just visit boon lay MRT or tampines MRT station ;)
(ID #412672) Posted on 2008/12/15 14:08
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
that's so neat! :D I'm hoping in future we might find a strida bike sometime cos of a friend's recommendation but I guess my worry is I gonna fall on my face a lot cos I'm not the best at balancing and can be clumzy ^^;
(ID #412652) Posted on 2008/12/15 13:48
JR. College Student
That's so awesome!
(ID #412822) Posted on 2008/12/15 17:53
Professional Panhandler
Japanese are always so innovative. I was impressed (and laughed at the same time) when I saw umbrella holders for bikes in Japan. I wonder how much they cost in japan... Does anyone know of any other "out-of-the-ordinary" accessories that they got for bikes...cup holders maybe?
(ID #412841) Posted on 2008/12/15 18:18
Graphic Designer, Arke Knight, Yoko's No.1 Fan
This is pure awesomeness. I would so like to have this parking thingy to be installed at my office. Hehehe...
(ID #412847) Posted on 2008/12/15 18:26
Wow, so high tech.. we need more car parks than bike parks over here^^
(ID #412912) Posted on 2008/12/15 20:16
ColdFusion Developer
Japan and its never ending battle of making space with the little space they have left.
(ID #412930) Posted on 2008/12/15 20:57
Mechanical Engineering student
O_o That's so cool!!! I could just stay there all day and just stare at the bikes coming in and out! XD
(ID #412955) Posted on 2008/12/15 21:39
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
bicycle parking has never been so great~
(ID #412968) Posted on 2008/12/15 21:57
Close-protection officer/Martial artist
Those would be a great investment on campuses... I can't tell you how hard it is to park a bike when it's going to rain.... None of the spots are ever under a roof for me. >.<;
(ID #413060) Posted on 2008/12/15 23:23
I rarely see bikes in my neck of the woods. Especially not in the sort of numbers pictured above!
(ID #413077) Posted on 2008/12/15 23:38
Medical Research and Design
Pretty innovative to say the least. I kind of like this and the robo-parking lots I spotted here and there in Tokyo. It's a clever use of robotics to be able to use up room vertical above and below ground. When you can't build along the x axis, build along the y. XD
(ID #413118) Posted on 2008/12/16 00:43
Oh, wow. San Francisco is a big bicycle city. San Jose? Not as big, but I do see people with bikes often when I use public transportation.
(ID #413185) Posted on 2008/12/16 02:02
3D Video Game Artist
WOW! I love this concept, unfortunately Toronto would never invest in such a smart idea. All our city worries about is how to make the roads wider to accommodate more cars :( Ride your bikes people! D~!
(ID #413534) Posted on 2008/12/16 08:57
im trying to find the song danny used on the video on youtube.......... if someone knows could you please tell me where to find it????? thanks in advance
(ID #413573) Posted on 2008/12/16 09:42
Student
Pretty innovative! I don't think my area will see this anytime soon as we pretty much transport via car as a lot of desired locations are pretty far. This idea is awesome, especially with the biking population. =]
(ID #413587) Posted on 2008/12/16 10:01
Original concept ... very effective & small bulky.
(ID #413603) Posted on 2008/12/16 10:07
Very innovative...but how do we take our bike if it's really down,like in the 144th position(most back).will the computer know that that bike is our bike?
(ID #413664) Posted on 2008/12/16 11:01
I would LOVE to have this here in California. I'm a bike commuter myself, even though my area is pretty spread out, as are most cities in Cali (sadly the reason why we'll never see these machines here). But why I want them is because I'm about at my limit dealing with people tampering with the "things" I have on my bike, not to mention full bike theft is pretty common too.
(ID #413775) Posted on 2008/12/16 12:31
Many more people in the DC and NY area would definitely use this and ride bikes to avoid traffic if we knew there was a more safer place to park our bikes. It's too bad my country likes to waste money on weapons, the army, invading countries for oil... etc etc.
(ID #414117) Posted on 2008/12/16 16:30
would like to have that here in SG i cycle to commute too
(ID #415374) Posted on 2008/12/17 13:31
Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
Preetty storage~ I'd love to have a cheaper alternative form of transport but.. yeah ^^; That's not very safe over here... It's pretty amazing as to how full it can get D:
(ID #415758) Posted on 2008/12/17 20:55
wow.. so cool!
(ID #416244) Posted on 2008/12/18 08:24
Not alot of people actually come to work in the town where I live and most people commute by means of car, not by bike, except the elderly who enjoy walking around clutching the handle bars of really old bikes as they slowly make their way around the shops.
(ID #416245) Posted on 2008/12/18 08:25
I think this a pretty good idea. I took a trip to Japan last summer and went to Yokohama. I saw hundreds of bike parking on the side walk, considering the Japan has already limited space looks crowded. I wish Thailand has this thing too, would be cool.
(ID #416343) Posted on 2008/12/18 10:30
Wow, I'm jealous of Japan now Danny. I wish we had some kind of bike storage system here that isn't the stop sign and a chain. But to me, that seems like a bit too much just for some bike storage, but the Japanese have never ceased to amaze. I remember one time my bike got stolen in downtown, and I was totally bummed out because of that. Now I know that if I live in Japan, I can store my bike without being afraid it'll get stolen. >:D
(ID #416599) Posted on 2008/12/18 14:08
It's kinda wierd that when I look at that picture with all the bicycles underground it reminds me of all the human pods in the Matrix.
(ID #417801) Posted on 2008/12/19 13:35
I live in Sicily, and many towns here are uphill, so bike is not useful as transport.
(ID #418044) Posted on 2008/12/19 18:55
Wow! Sweet! We could use underground babies like this here(but that will never happen)! Here bicycles aren't a common form of transport. It would be too good to be true. I do have a bicycle and I love it. That's why I called it "The Celestial Demon". So, Danny, you're saying that people just leave their bikes on the street? And nobody steals them?
(ID #418441) Posted on 2008/12/20 03:58
Hi Danny Thanks for the post. BTW, what's the music you used in the youtube video? my 13 months old loved that music. Is it something I can get on itunes?
(ID #419934) Posted on 2008/12/21 09:48
Very perfect design,for a large population density areas Hope car Storage like this :D
(ID #436920) Posted on 2009/01/06 06:42
wow
(ID #439916) Posted on 2009/01/08 12:28
that's pretty neat
(ID #503164) Posted on 2009/02/27 03:41
Racer's Dream in In Circuito di Fiorano with an FW20 driven by Heinz-Harold Fretzen (Registered on 2009/01/27 11:40)
90's F1 Afficionate
4 me seems a 95% chance on grabbing the wrong BIKE!
(ID #571989) Posted on 2009/04/21 00:16
Music composer
it would be cool if also that parking thing could put oil on those bikes because iam really tired of japanese bike making kirai noise everywhere in the streets -_-
(ID #607194) Posted on 2009/05/15 18:14
Tis the rainy season in Japan right now meaning that many house and shop entrances across Japan star...(more)
Sat 07/04 11:31 comments (90)
The Mirai Suenaga Merchandise project has changed gears and is back on the project timeline. I've be...(more)
Fri 07/03 22:16 comments (93)
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