The Problem
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Bicycles are a popular form of transportation in Japan. However, when parked they can take up a lot of public space that could otherwise be used by pedestrian foot traffic, small storefronts, etc.
The Solution
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Rather than take up valuable real estate above ground, store them safely underground where they are protected from the weather and would-be thieves, while freeing up valuable public space.
The ECO Cycle: Anti-seismic Underground Bicycle Park by Giken
The ECO Cycle is an automated underground storage system for bicycles. Designed by Giken, it has a capacity of 204 bicycles and can retrieve a person’s bike in approximately 13 seconds.
How It Works
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
1. IC tag fixed on front frame of bicycle is read automatically by the sensor in front of the Entrance Door, and then the Front Wheel Shutter opens automatically. Then, the front wheel should be placed into the open space.
2. After the front wheel is fixed by the Clamp, step away from the mat and then press “the Loading Button”.
3. The Entrance Door opens automatically and then the bicycle is conveyed into the Eco-cycle. The door closes automatically. It is the end of loading operation.
4. Transporting Tray brings the bicycle down with revolving action to a vacant pallet.
5. The Transporting Tray slides to place the bicycle at the vacant pallet. It is the end of loading bicycle.
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Construction and Specifications
1. Earthquake-proof wall composed of pressed-in piles which form cylindrical wall
2. The Eco-cycle is completed by using prefabricated materials
3. Max bicycle weight 30kg (66 lbs)
4. Parking capacity: 204
5. Retrieval speed: 13 seconds
6. Depth: 11.65 meters (38.22 ft)
7. Diameter: 8.55 meters (28 ft)
1. Pressing-in piles to form cylindrical wall by using a dedicated designed Silent Piler
2. Excavation inside the shaft to create the underground space
3. Installation of Mechanical parking system inside the shaft
4. Installation of the prefabricated entrance booth
Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp
Video: Underground Bicycle Parking Systems in Japan
Would you be so kind to publish the costs per bicycle of this nice parking-solution and the expected receipts per month or per hour?
ReplyDeleteWhich part of the costs wont be covered by the users and has to be covered by the public?
Please visit the Eco Cycle's designer's website here to find out. You can contact them directly at the "Contact us" page if some of your inquiries are not answered.
DeleteThank you.
Alizul