Automated multi-storey bicycle parks of the kind found in Tokyo could prove the key to expanding the forthcoming London cycle hire scheme if it is ever to serve railway commuters.
The transport chiefs behind the 6,000-bike, pay-as-you-go hire scheme are not planning make the bikes available outside railway stations because they are concerned the service would be over-subscribed.
It is estimated the capital will see an extra 40,000 daily cycle trips when the scheme is launched later this year, but not one of the planned 400 docking stations will be situated next to a railway station for fear that the service would be oversubscribed.
Multi-storey bicycle parking
Japanese cities have limited space and cyclists are regularly fined the equivalent of £35 for illegal parking. Tokyo is increasing its parking space capacity with a graceful, high-tech solution; the bicycle is taken by lift and parked automatically and securely.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “High-tech bicycle parking of this kind could double as landmark architecture in time for the 2012 Olympics – what better signal that London is serious about cycling?”
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike.
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