Underground Bicycle Parking Systems in Japan

More info and photos of this system at
www.dannychoo.c...
Too many bicycles and not enough space in Japan - so what do they do?
They dig wells in the ground and build robotic systems to store your two wheelers underground - safe from harsh weather and naughty thieves.
Same video posted on my Facebook.
buff.ly/11CGDi2
Snippet from my TV show Culture Japan TV
culturejapan.tv
品川の地下駐輪場は凄い！
More about my shenanigans.
dannychoo.me

[@MichielDijk93]

This would be a great solution for the massive amounts of bikes here in Holland.

[@sammaproductions]

unfortunately it's very hard to build underground there because of the soil.

[@paramchordiya]

Every heard about India? XD

[@MichielDijk93]

@@paramchordiya the one that hasn't invented proper sewage yet?

[@AssBlasster]

@@saem369 I disagree. This could be highly competitive in the big Dutch cities since it's near-zero chance of theft and offers nice convenience with 13 sec retrieval time (less than manually locking in a rack or bike garage). This could be "premium" bike storage facility. Inefficiencies with rush hour could be mitigated with adaptations (2 entrance/exits) to allow more access. Tbh the carrying capacity of 200 bikes per Ecocycle naturally makes it unlikely you will wait long at one, even during peak hour at busy train station. This is similar to massive storage locker facilities for rides at DisneyWorld; there is very little wait despite 50 lockers per terminal (where you unlock it with a card).

[@e.d.gproductions7989]

And luckily there will be less bikes at the bottom of the canals

[@DubbleAVideos]

NYC really fucking needs this. Loads of bikes are stolen and/or completely dismantled here. I've seen it happen, and it's happened to quite a few of my friends. If there's some sort of non-sewer, non-subway space in NYC that's available for a project like this, THAT'S what it needs to be used for.

[@finnk1289]

YASS! I think Amsterdam needs this too... They're literally running out of room to park bikes

[@raaaaaaaaaam496]

@@finnk1289 nah it’s easier for Netherlands politicians to spend hundreds of millions on inefficient underground parking coliseums

[@grimsonforce7504]

NYC isn't civil enough to have something like this.

[@surveytestmoney2550]

Some idiot will find s way to commit suicide in em🙄

[@dc5]

Why would someone dislike this video? This is just awesome...

[@moonglowdragon]

+David Cruz Probably just jealous they don't have this. I know I wish they had one on campus at the university. I've been too scared to ride my bike to class because of how much I hear about bikes being stolen there.

[@tobi888100]

+David Cruz They probably couldn't get past the anime girls at the start of the video.

[@1houroflove186]

Graffiti "artists".

[@JamiroquaiEnjoyer]

They hate future

[@RinoaL]

we need more people in the united states willing to ride bikes and E-bikes so we can have these!

[@saurabhnayal0514]

From.where u r

[@MrDropMotion]

It's actually the reverse, cities need to build stuff like this so people ride bikes.

[@apacheglider]

Thank you for this comment ​@@MrDropMotion

[@zalphero618]

This ia legit! Japan always seems to suprise me. I seriously need to visit there someday.

[@markplott4820]

yes, you really must go at least once. their public transport is the best in the world and the most Punctual ontime in the world. the Japanese managers are ANAL about keeping the transport system smooth moving and ontime.

[@bobbiusshadow6985]

don't wait too long or all you gonna see are robots

[@hashimquereshi155]

699 Thieves disliked this video

[@jackmccool9911]

Little do you know dislikes are removed

[@Akira1G]

this should be made worldwide!

[@ChesterWolf]

YO THIS IS SOME BAD ASS SYSTEM JAPAN GOT! i will love to see it UK

[@ChesterWolf]

tell me that you don't love this!

[@JackTheDeergal]

Awesome!

[@wa4ajza4r]

ChesterWolf The Griffin vandals will find a way to demolish this in london

[@maxrojasm]

This is just amazing! Congratulations Japan, you're the best country in the world!

[@lisar313]

Wow, that's genius! Japan is way ahead on technology. We could really use that underground bike parking system here in usa. I totally love this!

[@hdhostPL]

Brilliant! And it's safe from burglars.

[@1houroflove186]

and "PRANKSTERS".

[@Zafor-ium]

No one would steal it anyways

[@itslilyitslily]

I love the colour changing bicycle! where'd you get it? ;)

[@ravrufus]

Love Japan's embrace of automation. I just wonder how cost-effective it is .. for the bike-rider as well for the provider (a commercial company, I presume, or a local govt.)

[@martikai1306]

An other great thing why I love Japan. This is again clever Japanese practical technique. I just can't wait visiting Japan again.

[@grassytramtracks]

The Netherlands actually beat Japan on this one

[@NinjaDefiler]

The USA is so far behind in technology its ridiculous.

[@Prizm44]

And yet japanese bikes looks like shit and haven’t changed since the 60s 😂 I love Japan, but going there and seeing everyone riding ancient bikes was hilarious when they’re known for such technological advances.

[@ChinesemomlovemassagingJapan]

@@Prizm44 thoose are not retrograde bikes " don't be deluded by appearances" that form is just very compatible to our daily life and nice endurance

[@jcsallen3]

Fabulous use of technology, ingenuity and underground space! Kudos

[@diablousrex6241]

AWESOMENESS IN JAPAN

[@nadialexa]

This is REALLY awesome. Japan's always first in technology. I love it!!

[@ITurningIntoCoolGuy]

The interior looks like an underground secret base in games and movies

[@lauraleecreations3217]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I love learning about Japanese culture!

[@jhobbz45]

Just absolute fantastic!

[@SaddleSkedaddle]

This is amazing! We'll have to swing by and see it on our cycling holidays in Japan

[@RadwegbloggerDO1]

For about 9€(member)/12€(all) a month it's cheap, imo. Fantastic idea. Something for out dutch neighbours.

[@QnA22]

I just wonder if it's at all viable with much larger number of bicycles and with peaks in rush hour. Malfunction with 10k+ bicycles would mean disaster.

[@hendrikdependrik1891]

108 euro per year? That's like 2/3 of my bike's annual maintenance costs!

[@AssBlasster]

@@hendrikdependrik1891 For hardly any risk of theft and convenience (less time to store this than by yourself at rack/garage), that's a great deal.

[@MegaMoose1989]

These would be great at large college campuses like Michigan State. Bikes are locked to anything on campus due to the bike racks being full. And the added benefit of security. You could also add things on the side of the kiosk like a air pumps and a kiosk that sells emergency bike repair items like innertubes, etc.

[@HairulHazri]

How much the parking fee?

[@ihatenumberinemail]

high

[@ihatenumberinemail]

icetech6 No sorry I meant that I was high.

[@verse2100]

+Hairul Hazri Monthly cost $18 (Student $10)

[@sirhendro]

$18 a month is a pretty good deal in my oppinion.

[@songrider52]

Japan is a very creative people. They always put their creativity into practical use in their daily life. I hope they can therefore overcome the meltdown at their nucleus power plant in Fukushima, as of today, hundreds of tons of radioactive water is flowing into the Pacific ocean from that plant. God bless Japan and our earth.

[@breadring]

Brilliant system, BUT here in the UK the vandals would fuck it up within 2 minutes , no respect for anything or anyone.

[@RoboticDragon]

That is Incredible. Thanks so much for sharing this. I would love it if my city had this. Maybe more people would bike of they knew their bicycle would be tampered with.

[@zukilover2]

have anyone tried to come inside on their bikes?

[@TheObsidianX]

It would probably sense that your too heavy and refuse to work

[@phil22]

Amazing! Smart solution that should also be implemented for small scooters, specially in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam or Thailand where scooters are everywhere.

[@am_seiko]

They need to bring this to 'murica

[@am_seiko]

***** well if we get that then people will probably be more active and you won't see as much fat people walking around maybe just maybe

[@ittybittykittyz]

***** Go to Michigan State University's campus. It's like every bike in the world went there to hang out. Now that is a place in the US that needs this.

[@Graymenn]

MythicalBeastGirl As long as there is an ample supply of food..... there will always be as many fat americans as there are now.... 1/2 the people in this country live their life for the sole purpose of finding something to stuff into one or many of their orifices.

[@Iuviciado1]

Japan ... i love your culture and your respect for everything.. i wish i was born there and not in Spain where anywhere isn't safe to have a bike or a motorbike expensive .. they come with a van and 4 people lift it up and goodbye forever.... Sincerely touched ... everyday more in love with you all "Japan".... thanks for your respect and the culture... never kneel to USA.

[@SteveHyde]

only a matter of time before this becomes a hotel

[@OnimushaBoss1]

Japan has some of the coolest innovations.

[@plakamaka2609]

the future is making it alot harder for theifs

[@zurk2488]

There's no future for theifs

[@corinzi]

amazing technology! These kind of ideas are the ones where inventors in other countries scratch their heads and wonder "Why didn't I think of this... BEFORE?" :)

[@irun_mon]

We'll have this in Indonesia in the end of 21st century T_T

[@1houroflove186]

Don't dig DEEP. Indonesia is sinking.

[@hit7671]

Same in Japan. You will see this only around urban train stations where parking space is very limited. People living in the country won't use a bike for commuting, rather its considered a sport.

[@SusanFromOhio]

I was in Japan for the first time in May for 10 days but did not come across any of these parking systems ... or at least I don't think I did. It was amazing to see the large parking areas full of bicycles above ground where the bicycles seemed to be totally unsecured. Amazing the trust in people.

[@Fear_the_Nog]

these systems are in some places, not everywhere.

[@robonkenhout7965]

The main purpose for these in Japan is to free up very valuable space, as the guy at the end mentions. Bicycle theft is very rare in Japan, however many of the comments are regarding keeping bike safe. Kind of funny, depends on where you’re from I guess?

[@nairanascimento6485]

Hello! Awesome video. Can you please tell me what is their website? I didn't find online. Thanks.

[@Nipponing]

And omg, not only do u have that waist bag, you also have a watch with two clocks on it! x_x So awesome.

[@stormbringer60kb]

Are you kidding me? This is the coolest thing ever! I am so proud to have been born an American in Japan. Yaaaaayyyy!

[@yoshipham1941]

The idea is excellent, however it may not suitable for Canada. In Canada, the winter is so long, we don't use much bicycle ( 3 or 4 months per year, during the summer) , anyone who own a bicycle do have a garage at home to store it during the winter.

[@aznttboy]

That was obviously a stock video footage from the company that made or operates the bicycle park, used to show how the whole thing works. Otherwise, the entire video will be from the rare camera angle once it is inside the parking facility.

[@Infarlock]

We need this kind of thing for cars & planes too, this will save so much space for parking lots and space for airports.

[@Nastificc]

Thank you a lot!! That song is amazing, is it the entire album that awesome? ^.^

[@GrimlyKK]

What an excellent idea and design. Assuming nothing goes haywire and you don't get your bike mangled or the wrong one back, of course. :)

[@falkenjeff]

1) That carbon footprint shrinks over time with use, because the machines are permanent, and even if they need maintenance that's not going to be nearly the same as the excavation process 2) The extra space saved above ground might reduce the carbon footprint because people can properly utilize their property instead of having it covered with bikes, and building tall/complex systems to compensate for the lack of space.

[@ClearTsai]

Très bon! This even removes the possibility of losing bike as well. With this you can ride your carbon-fiber road bike to work! Hope it to spread worldwide

[@clint4Now]

Cool video.... that's awesome that you were able to actually film inside the machine as well.

[@BooLee01]

Is there enough space to have luggage attached, such as side panniers?

[@zoomingjapan]

What a great idea to make a video about those. I wish we had them here in the Japanese countryside, too. My bicycle got stolen recently! :(

[@odstar21]

How much is the cost for bicycle parking membership in these?

[@TariqElsaid]

Where do you get the card from? and how much does it cost to park your bike?

[@21whichiswhich]

I wish there were parking facility like this in my country. It so hard to park and you are always worried that someone might steal your bike.

[@Just4FunGaming]

Awesome thing! I just have a few questions. Does it cost something? How high is the risk of it being hacked? Doesnt the robot-arm damage the front wheel so that it ends up twisted after a few uses?

[@Bebinn]

you obviously don't know who Danny Choo is. go look him up before you criticize the choice. Danny is a great ambassador for foreigners like me to learn about Japan.

[@MegaMoose1989]

Also they can stack bikes closer together, put them right above each other. All they need is a 2 1/2 ft. wide x 4 ft high x 6 ft long(not accurate of standard big mans bike, just an estimate of largest single person bike) cubes. They can then stack the bikes at least 3 high and more abreast without worrying about giving space for humans to retrieve bikes, but just room for a repairman to make repairs.

[@ghostdoku]

is this going to work with different wheel thickness and sizes?

[@BGgunpla]

Japan sure build a time machine in the future... I see a lot of fantastic stuff there it looks like living in a future era!

[@simpleton7]

Is there ever a big queue for these, like at the end of the work day?

[@sangeliastorck]

if it is placed on a city block lot. there is room. and the rest of the spot can be used as a city park. when things are removed from a city block like a building. they go block off any thing not needed by what is to become either a vacant lot. or used for something different like a city park. most of the infrastructure is along the streets. these underground bike lots are in the section not used by a road for the city.

[@pliniobass]

Fantastic. In addition I also liked the side pocket of him. I want one for me!

[@mixedplate5073]

I just back from Japan and never knew these parking places existed. Wish I had actually seen one

[@1houroflove186]

What i hate about America is whenever we have facilities for the public (buses, trains, parks, restrooms), there is an element of American society that will purposely damage them. However, look @ Japan. Everything's clean. Even their road surfaces are cleaner than ours since they don't pour unwanted coffee or beverages out of their cars like we Americans do.

[@mewwilt2896]

Very cool ! Wonderful idea. No wonder they are so advanced of a country.

[@ChronoJedi]

This is the kind of videos i miss from Danny Choo now hes just obsessed with dolls

[@gopalakrishnanms]

Do you have something similar for motorbikes?

[@ABakshi]

Surprisingly enough we have this for cars in Kolkata (India)!!! Its insane that in the middle of a not so technically equipped city we have something this cool... On the first day there was a massive traffic jam with people coming to see thing :S

[@kwaaaa]

Promotion of cycling is one thing, but to deal with the space for bikes is another. Some european countries that have a high ratio of cyclist-to-driver have a lot of problems with overcrowded bike parking. Japan has limited space, especially in the cities and this is a great solution.

[@Lorenshyne]

Is there a thing like this on every Street? Or how many in a town?

[@MrGwvideo]

Clever device! Liked the point of view of going down into the machine to show how it works. (BTW, should wear a helmet when you ride.)

[@AlwayzDope]

this is nice n all but how would u get the bike back if the machine broke?

[@Keithhhist]

Hey D C! Any chance I can use this footage for a bike documentary? Just need to use 5-10 secs for educational purposes on the innovation and respect Japan has for the bicycling community. If you head to my youtube page you can see the trailer for the bike documentary I am currently wrapping up post-production on. Would love to accredit your efforts!

[@bicycledad7660]

Does anyone know if this is still in service ? Does it break down often ?

[@MrPolwathRojchalermritra]

Absolutely brilliant idea here.

[@WWEMikano]

Wow that's awesome! It would be even cooler if you can get your bike back from a different pickup station.

[@svartmetall48]

I think the footage inside (not from the bike itself where he mounted a camera) is stock footage from elsewhere to just show how it works. Only the stuff from the bike mounted camera is his own. At least that is how it appears! =)

[@TylerSmallwoodOFFICIAL]

Awesome. But why are there four of them right next to each other? Seems like that takes up a whole bunch of space...

[@wexfo12]

Danny Choo, you're the best! You're the one inspiring me to aim for my dreams and someday, have a company like yours and live in Japan.. :D (dreaming)

[@EpicViralFail]

Will this work with my Specialized Rock Hopper 29er with disc brakes?

[@reddragon2k6]

And as always: Japan is the master of innovation!!

[@AkaFluffie]

2:34 It changes the mass, shape, and design while retrieving your bicycle!?

[@93mstf]

holy shit this is awesome! as a bike rider i couldn't think something more use full since it is hard to find places to lock my bike.

[@NovaV000]

oh my what is this wonderful music at the end!?!?!?!

[@deletethis3897]

How would they do maintenance on the machine?

[@Rickyrab]

There are some places in America that actually do this sort of thing with cars. A company called Boomerang from New Jersey is in the robot garage business.

[@SalviBear831]

What do u do if the machine gets stuck and/or breaks with ur bike still underground?

[@真門武郎]

すぐ近くのビルで働いていたので、毎日観察していましたよ。 地中をかなり深く掘って複雑な機構を設置しなくてはならないため、工事期間に丸２年間以上費やしたんじゃないかな。 素晴らしい発想の駐輪場だけど、全国展開するにはコストと時間が多少ネックになるでしょう。

[@TheAgentApsley]

As a mechanism for picking the cycle up, there might be issues, even if the front tyre didn't deflate when it's in storage...

[@Poopsiewoopsiedodo]

the intro he sounds like a british chef haha. `Beautiful! Lovely bikes, fresh from the underground!"

[@WatchingPup]

Bicycles in Japan go through the Super-Duper-Hyper-Musical Transformation when being stored and retrieved, just like in all the anime cartoons i've seen. But cut that part because it's like 5 minutes long.

[@ChristopherKing]

So what's the storage capacity for each of these devices?

[@ronetele13]

how much does it cost to park the bike?

[@geetarwanabe]

Incredible city. Would love to move there.

[@itskelvinkkc]

This is fantastic! And very futuristic too!!

[@ambera7596]

Wish this system was installed in American cities across USA, it would be very practical and beneficial. Please bring to America.

[@tarynhill8908]

This bike machine is totally cool! We really need these in America asap.

[@stupidhing33]

This is why i love japan so much