Channel FIVE5: Japan's Automated Underground Bike Storage

Japan's Automated Underground Bike Storage

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

The Problem

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

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.

Photograph by Danny Choo @ culturejapan.jp

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

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

Construction and Specifications

- Earthquake-proof wall composed of pressed-in piles which form cylindrical wall
- The Eco-cycle is completed by using prefabricated materials
- Max bicycle weight 30kg (66 lbs)
- Parking capacity: 204
- Retrieval speed: 13 seconds
- Depth: 11.65 meters (38.22 ft)
- Diameter: 8.55 meters (28 ft)