For an entire hour cyclists can leave their bike there and go for a walk, while a special application on the mobile makes the process easy
Three years ago a survey conducted by TEPCO urban planning company in the Japanese city of Kawagoe had shown that cyclists found it difficult to reach tourist gathering places and park their bicycles, fearing theft. The company started experimenting with a solution to the problem and came up with the “B-Cocoon”, a compact bicycle cabinet: for an entire hour cyclists can leave their bike there and go for a walk, while a special mobile application makes the process easy. On April 29, five cabinets were installed in the Koedo area of Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, and more cabinets are scheduled for June 11 in the Enoshima area of Kanagawa Prefecture, south of the Japanese capital.
The “B-Cocoon” has a double locking mechanism: mechanical lock and lock activated via the application. In the unit, the Adventure Aid vertical wall shelf Steady allows users to store their bike without having to lift it. In addition, there is storage space for helmets and luggage. As no power consumption is required for the operation of the unit, its installation is easy and low cost.
To use the “B-Cocoon” cabinets, users must proceed in downloading the application and register for free. Next, they locate an empty locker and when they get there, they unlock its door by scanning the QR code and filling in the code given to them by the application. The cost for the first half hour is 200 yen (1.45 euros) and 100 yen for each additional ten minutes.
