vertical bike parking lockers emerge in japan to give cyclists peace of mind

introducing the B-Cocoon experiment

According to a 2019 survey conducted by Japanese town planning company TEPCO, cyclists in Kawagoe City, Japan find it difficult to approach and park their bikes in touristic spots within the city due to fear of theft. To combat this issue, the company commenced an experiment for a new bicycle parking locker system called ‘B-Cocoon’ created to help riders store their bikes quickly and safely. ‘B-Cocoon’ is a solid bike locker allowing cyclists to rest, and sightsee with peace of mind. It is an hourly parking facility that anyone can use if they register as a free member, while a dedicated app makes the whole process easier.

five B-Cocoon units were installed as the first step of the experiment

images courtesy of Adventure Aid

double lock system and vertical racks

B-Cocoon features a double lock system — a mechanical lock and a lock that can be activated through the app to enhance security. The bicycle parking unit uses Steady rack by Adventure Aid (see more here), a vertical wall-mounted bike rack that makes it possible for users to store the bicycle without lifting it. Helmets and baggage can also be stored in the lockers. What’s more, B-Cocoon does not require a commercial power supply, so installation is easy and costs are relatively low.

bikes, helmets and baggage can be stored in the lockers

How to use B-Cocoon

As the first step of the experiment, five units were positioned within the Koedo area of Kawagoe on April 29, 2002. More lockers are expected to be installed in Kanagawa Prefecture’s Enoshima Area on June 11, 2022.

To use the B-Cocoon lockers, users need to download the dedicated app and register for free. Then, they may find a vacant unit on the app and head to the site, where they will be able to unlock the door by scanning the QR code and completing the passcode provided by the app. The double lock system allows users to lock their bikes both manually and digitally, ensuring maximum security. The parking fee for the first 30 minutes is 200 yen (1.45 Euro), and 100 yen every 10 minutes thereafter.

an empty B-Cocoon unit