AUTOMATED BICYCLE PARKING SYSTEM

As Australian cities begin to construct more connected cycleways, such as Melbourne’s elevated cycleway and Sydney’s Moore Park Road, in a bid to increase bicycling commuting in urban areas, the next step is how to safely store these vehicles.

With these needs in mind, ECO Cycle was launched by Giken in 2013 as an automated mechanical underground parking lot. The automated system is able to be installed in extremely small spaces as a result of Giken’s unique press-in technology. This allows the system to be utilised to a greater capacity than current flat-level parking spaces in urban centres with high rent and/or land value.

Aside from the entrance/exit booths, the entirety of the ECO cycle structure is underground and is completely computer-controlled automated. Surveillance sensors make sure the bikes are safe, eliminating theft through the use of a personal tag or card.

Not only does the ECO Cycle save on space, the system is also incredibly time efficient- the average storage and retrieval time is reportedly only 13 seconds, making the process an ideal option in fast-paced situations such as the morning/evening commute and/or peak events.

To use the system, you just simply push the bicycle forward to the front of the entrance door, then the front wheel shutter opens, activated by the IC tag attached to the bike. Next users push the bike forward and insert the front wheel into the slot. After it has been inserted securely, it is then clamped and fixed. With the bike fully secured, users then step clear from the mat, press the ‘drop-off start’ button and the operation will be completed by the machines.

ECO cycle not only saves public space and safely secures your bike underground where it is safe from weather elements and theft, the technology is also reportedly earthquake resistant which is a welcome feature in Japan where there are currently 50 parking stations nationwide.