Bike Parking in Japan

Japanese Innovation in Bicycle Parking

Japanese inventions always impress with their creativity and thoughtfulness. Even when it comes to what may seem like a simple thing - bicycle parking. However, the Japanese have managed to stand out even in this case.

As the use of bicycles as an eco-friendly and convenient mode of transportation has gained such popularity that there is a shortage of places to park these compact vehicles, the problem was solved in a very original way.

The underground anti-seismic eco parking - that's the name of the invention by the company Giken Seisakusho. Apart from the intriguing name, this bicycle parking facility also has a fantastic look from the inside.

The external area of the parking occupies only a couple of meters in width and about seven meters in length, while the underground part extends eleven meters deep and can accommodate over 200 bicycles. To use this parking facility, you will need to purchase a special chip that is installed on your bicycle along with a magnetic card. All of this will cost you $20, and if you are a student, it is half the price. The process of using it is quite straightforward:

• Begin by rolling your bike up to the entrance so that the chip installed on it is read by the system, confirming that you are a user of the parking facility.
• The entrance doors will then open, and the wheel will be secured between them.
• After ensuring you haven't left any necessary items in the basket of the bike, you can confidently press the "Start" button, which will send your transport to the underground storage until you return for it.
• To retrieve your bike from the parking, simply present the magnetic card to the system, and it will locate the correct slot to return your transport.

In this way, the Japanese have created a parking solution that doesn't take up precious land space, securely protects bicycles not only from thieves but also from earthquakes, and does not pose any difficulties in its use.

If cycling becomes a global trend and replaces cars for many, Japan's experience will greatly benefit enthusiasts of a windy bike ride. Share your experiences on social media and keep an eye out for new developments!