Clean Transport

Japan's Automated Eco Cycle Parks Bikes Underground

Published

December 17, 2008

One major deterrent for city bicyclists is lack of parking. Some Japanese cities have taken it upon themselves to remedy the problem with the Eco Cycle, a profoundly weird machine that takes your bike and parks it underground for safe-keeping. The Eco Cycle costs 2,600 yen for a monthly ticket. What do you think— would you trust your bike here?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/yIHrmN_ptJc&hl=en&fs=1]

Photo Credit: CC-licensed by Flickr user Danny Choo

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In this article:bicycles, bikes, parking

Written By Ariel Schwartz

was formerly the editor of CleanTechnica and is a senior editor at Co.Exist. She has contributed to SF Weekly, Popular Science, Inhabitat, Greenbiz, NBC Bay Area, GOOD Magazine, and more. A graduate of Vassar College, she has previously worked in publishing, organic farming, documentary film, and newspaper journalism. Her interests include permaculture, hiking, skiing, music, relocalization, and cob (the building material). She currently resides in San Francisco, CA.