Bicycle Storage Jennifer C McBride 3137521 Pre-Major Project R.M.I.T 4th year Industrial Design
Table of contents Introduction • History • Background Objective • Learning contract Methodology • Introduction • Visualize system - validate • Product Research • Sketching • 3D model making • Material Research Conclusion of project research and semester 1 Research design manufacture Conclusion Bibliography
Introduction
.In the early days of Melbourne’s history, the 1800’s and early 1900’s, bicycles were an integral part of the city’s transport infrastructure. To a lesser extent their role as a transport option continues today. However, given the many environmental problems facing us currently it can be expected and hoped that our future requires increasing our bicycle use and minimising our car use. As well as minimising greenhouse gases, bicycles are ideal for Melbourne with its flat terrain and easily traversed roads. They are a valid form of transport for people of all ages and social classes. Unfortunately at present, Melbourne does not have bicycle infrastructure which is sufficiently user-friendly to allow bicycles to become the sole, or even the regular, transport option for most cyclists. Melbourne has an increasing population of over a thousand a week (COM), a growing economy resulting in increased energy use and rising greenhouse levels.
One of the many ways to reduce greenhouse gases is with environmentally friendly options of transport which will reduce carbon emissions. Although electric or duel propulsion vehicles such as the Toyota Prius are being extensively researched for consideration as the vehicles of the future, bicycles should be an alternate and preferable option and for many people. Horton et al (2007) comments that cycling remains high on the transport agenda because of its potential to contribute to policy on climate change, social inclusion, health, exercise, obesity and sustainable development. Bicycles are cheap to acquire, promote exercise and take up low volumes of space in comparison to cars. Most importantly, except for their manufacturing they produce no emissions hence contributing to a healthier city. Hoogma et al (2002) reports that cars use significantly more energy, up to 80 times that of a bicycle. Unfortunately for Melbourne, bicycles are not a viable form of transport currently. This is related to issues such as bicycle infrastructure and facilities as well as social views. A significant problem is how to store bicycles if they are to be used for regular commuting, perhaps in combination with rail journeys. I want to explore in detail the use and need for bicycle storage within an urban context and in particular within metropolitan Melbourne. I will look at the need for individual and group storage. This may be in house/office space as well as for a larger number of bikes perhaps up to 50 or so. These storage areas may be hubs’ at popular commuting locations such as the city, railway stations and universities.
History One of the main reasons Melbourne is lacking bicycle infrastructure is a consequence of decisions made early in Melbourne’s history. Hudson (1978) states that by the year 1890 bicycles were increasingly popular and one of the latest trends in mobility. Bicycles gave the opportunity for many to share roads. However in 1899 motor cars became popular and, infrastructure was created for motor cars. Bicycles tended to be forgotten. The production of cars and car infrastructure such as freeways, where bicycles were not permitted, expanded at a rapid pace leaving bicycles in the past. If more infrastructure and utilities had been created for bicycles it may have meant the promotion of cycling leading to a healthier Melbourne with less vehicle use and therefore less emissions. Bicycle use not only helps tackle the issue of health and climate change, it also helps social views towards cyclists and emphasizing that public space is for all. According to Horton et al (2007) many car drivers are antagonistic towards bicycles on main throughways. More bicycle facilities mean a higher profile for cyclists leading to more safety for cyclists and more acceptance of bicyclists by the general community.
‘Where cycling has a higher profile, bicycle users are more accepted; in others, where cycling on the road is rare, they are less tolerated, and attitudes towards cycling can be hostile and even threatening.’ – (Horton, Rosen & Cox 2007, p.21).
Background research Today Melbourne has ‘more than 4000 cyclists traveling in and out of the CBD each day’ (CITY OF MELB p.9). Existing infrastructure for bicycle storage is not sufficient in metropolitan Melbourne. According to a City of Melbourne report there are 1200 bicycle hoops for people to chain their bicycle up to. There are very few bicycle lockers and cage systems scattered across outer Melbourne. These few facilities are not the solution to the problem of bike storage. My project will investigate group bicycle storage of 20 to 50 bicycles. I will be researching zones where multiple bikes are stored such as at the end of public transport systems, around universities or work places and in particular around central Melbourne (CBD.) In the same City of Melbourne report as above, about 60% of all cycling trips are undertaken for commuter purposes into the CBD. The main concern with bicycle group storage will be finding a solution to the problems of space, safety and ease of use. The people who would use this type of resource would range from every day commuters to shoppers and one time users. As Hudson mentions in his book “….disadvantages …could be partially overcome by improved design, includes the susceptibility of bicycles to theft and their limited carrying capacity.” (Hudson 1978, p.7).
Objective / learning contract My plan is to design a system where current problems are canceled out by having space to put the bike, a safe locking device for the whole bike (not just for one wheel and the frame which most bike locks accommodate for) and room to leave accessories with the bike. Individual storage will be a way which a bike can be stored in a specified enclosed space such as an office space, a bedroom or garage. It is essential that the bicycle storage space is minimal and compact. Hopefully the solution to individual storage can be extended to group storage. The same single storage product could be used multiple times in a “hub” to cater for more bicycles. Bicycles are frequently parked inappropriately and in ways that use significant amounts of ground space. The storage is inappropriate if it take up too much room in the space provided (e.g. flat/office) or causes offence to co-workers. Current bike storage often includes being left in a walkway causing irritation as well as having safety considerations. Alternatively they may be pushed outside which depending on placement could lead to problems including weather damage, theft or vandalism. Appropriate storage means reducing the space allocated to a bike. Bicycles can be hung up in any direction with no damage to the bike - they don’t need to sit horizontal and use up the
precious ground space. But at the same time they must be easy to put into that storage and easily accessible for the bicyclists. If they are difficult to get in and out of storage it will lead to decreased use of bicycles. My plan is to design an individual bicycle storage unit which is space efficient for small areas and is easy to use. If I find that to be efficient the bicycle needs to be off-floor then I would investigate the need for a mechanical/pulley system product. This would enable the user to be able to lift the bicycle to torso or head height for off-floor storage. Otherwise many people would not have the strength or ability to store their bicycle and it may lead to personal injury. The outcome will be a design and working prototype of individual bicycle storage and a system and prototype of group bicycle storage. By creating more bicycle facilities I hope to promote cycling, creating better social views towards cyclists, lower impact environmentally and a healthier Melbourne for the future.
Methodology A product cannot be designed to meet all the needs of a target market properly unless the target market has been included throughout the design process. I will be undertaking a mix of appropriate activities including drawing, observing, scenario role playing and participatory research to make sure I get involved in looking into the bicycle society of Melbourne. For example, documenting how a variety of people use existing bike lockers, racks and storage facilities within an urban environment. It’s important to observe the different areas and take into consideration the problems encountered such as space, security, social trends and ease of use.
To produce the outcome of a system for group and individual bicycle storage it is necessary to use a variety of different methodologies throughout the project. I will be using qualitative surveys such as group discussions, observation or field notes and secondary research such as publications of governmental and non-governmental institutions, free access data on the internet or in newspapers and magazines. They will help me understand whether or not the end product is fulfilling a need in the market place and tackling current issues of bicycle storage for individuals and groups. Most importantly all this research needs to be backed up with hands-on studies and observation within Melbourne CBD.
Visualizing the system To find out the major problems with a bicycle trip into Melbourne a range of participatory, observational and interview research are used to find out the concerning issues. By recording the experience of a variety of people storing bicycles in the city specific problems became apparent. The first problem is finding a suitable place to safely store a bicycle for the period of time spent in the city. A ‘D’ lock can be used to chain the bicycle up to a pole, bike ring on the street or under a building however the risks in leaving a bicycle in a public area include theft, vandalism, damage due to weather and the associated irritation of removing and carrying all the bike accessories. The accessories include lights, drink bottle, helmet, pump, panniers, cleats (shoes) and back pack. These need to be carried for the rest of the day even though the items will not be used again until returning to the bicycle. After the bike is chained, stripped of accessories and left on the street the bicyclist then needs to find a shower to clean up for the next part of the day. Many cyclists have access to a shower and/or bathroom at work or university. Otherwise the options considered may have to be paying for a gym’s shower or having a ‘face wipe’ shower. At the end of the day it’s a matter of returning to the place the bicycle was left and hoping it’s there with everything intact. Then attaching the many bike accessories back onto the bicycle frame and storing the heavy ‘D’ lock back in the bag to be carried. This is not a pleasant experience and it should not have to be so user unfriendly. The system discourages the use of bicycles which is definitely not the right message to be sending out.
To work out the most space efficient way of storing a bicycle I used statistics from Australian Standards to find the average bicycle size and then used mathematics and participation research to measure how much floor/ground space a bicycle will take up in different positions. Also I considered how user friendly are the physical actions required for turning a bicycle into different positions. Anyone who rides a bike should be able to store a bicycle. Eg. If a cyclist rides a large mountain bike which weights 20kg then that same person should be able to store the bicycle with ease. Otherwise I would need to investigate an automated way to store the bicycle. The storage options are described on the next page.
• A bicycle off the floor - takes up no floor space and therefore the most space efficient way of storing a bicycle. This may be on the roof or frame. But in terms of user friendly storage any off-floor storage product would need a mechanical/pulley system to enable the user to be able to lift the bicycle to torso or head height. Otherwise many people would not have the strength or ability to store their bicycle and it may lead to personal injury to the rotator cuff (upper shoulder muscle). • Horizontal storage – the way many users are storing their bicycle currently. It is usually the easiest way to store a bicycle since it rolls into position. It takes up around 1700cm by 700cm floor space. But as my project is about reducing storage space I need to look for alternatives. • Vertical storage – at 1200mm by 700cm floor space is a compromise between horizontal and off floor space. It takes up less space than horizontal storage and an off-floor system would not usually be viable unless a mechanical/pulley system is available. I tested the practicality of storing a bike vertically. I found that putting a bicycle onto its front is relatively difficult but turning the bicycle onto its back wheel is reasonably simple and all the participants could do it with ease. This means a vertical bicycle stand where the user manually turns the bicycle on its back wheel is acceptable so that an automated device should not be needed.
Product Research Existing bicycle storage products range from manual individual bicycle storage to mechanical multi-story storage complexes. In my research I have used observations, the internet and other sources to investigate a range of individual or home bicycle storage systems as well as large automated systems. I looked at existing storage systems and products in Melbourne, Brisbane and other cities outside Australia. These included manually operated systems in Germany and high-tech automated public bicycle storage systems in Barcelona, Spain and Tokyo. Several of the systems matched with the direction of my ideas. Below I describe the storage facilities most relevant to my research. All of the storage systems and products are on my Blog with pictures and videos plus many more products I have researched. The blog address is jenscorner09@wordpress.com
Melbourne public bicycle storage Parkiteer Is a cage system run by Connex together with Bicycle Victoria. The Bicycle Victoria website claims there are currently 33 cages positioned at train stations throughout Victoria. The cages can fit up to 26 bicycles. Signing up is done online and costs from $85 (concession) to $120 a year, including a $50 deposit. Access to the cage is via an electronic swipe card. The cage is an enclosed metal grid with all bicycles held undercover. The see-through grid enables safe access at all hours but is problematic since the bikes are in full view. Commuter bikes are usually expensive bikes and the visibility creates an enticement to theft. There are other problems.
Whilst the cage is enclosed and roofed, its design means it is not completely weather-proof. Also that although the cage should fit 26 bicycles, the way most cyclists place their bicycles means many fewer are held, rarely over 20. There are also insufficient available. They are only at specific stations and none at all situated in the CBD. So they do not so do not accommodate commuters who ride into the city without catching any public transport. (Bicycle Victoria 2009, Article 1)
Station Bicycle lockers There are over a hundred lockers at train stations according to Connex. They supply a secure way of storing a bicycle and accessories. They are free to hire but require a $100 bond. They are hired for a 3 month period and can be renewed. A problem is the large amount of space required for just one bicycle and limited numbers per station, between 4 and 20. If all are booked there are none available to other bicyclists even if currently empty. This is not an inclusive design as it is only available to the 4 to 20 hirers per station who hold the lockers for 3 months at a time. It is of no use to tourists, occasional bicyclists or those unable to book a locker if all are already reserved. Also children without parent consent are not able to use the system. (Connex Melbourne Trains Australia 2009, Article 1)
Bicycle Hoops According to a City of Melbourne report there are 1200 bicycle hoops throughout the CBD for people to chain their bicycle up to. The hoops have problems of vandalism, theft, weather damage as well as having to take all bicycle accessories when left. As well, frequently and according to Australian Standards regulations, the hoops are not used properly. The photograph to the left shows the hoops on Swanson St outside RMIT University. There are more than two bicycles to some of the hoops and in the other photo the bicycle is breaching onto the road. Other Cage systems These are similar to the Parkiteer but owned by private companies and not for the general public. They have the same problems as the Parkiteer such as theft because of visibility and the space not used correctly.
Other Storage Systems Examples of Hand/Manually Operated Bicycle Storage Bike Storage Ceiling Lift - a pulley system that lifts and lowers your bicycle up and down from the ceiling. The pulley system is attached to the roof by screws. This does not give freedom to frequently and quickly access the bicycle plus it needs the use of a roof into which it can be screwed. (storeyourbike 2008, video) Double-decker Parking – used for storage in Muenster, Germany. The system is a kind of multi story bicycle racking area. The bottom bike is stored horizontal and the top bicycle is pushed up manually with the help of a metal guide. It looks “clunky” to use and the security measures did not appear adequate. (Raheelkhan 2007, video) Vertical Bicycle Storage - a metal frame you wheel your bike onto and then ‘flip’ it vertically. It is a clever way to put a bike on its back wheel but because the frame is long and clunky it is not as easy to use as you might expect. Plus the metal storage frame only secures the wheels and is not connected to the rest of the bike. So it could be easy to steal unless the user brings their own lock which to some extent defeats the purpose of using it. (29yuli1951 2007, video) Veloglide bicycle storage – is bicycle storage for your home and garage. It hangs your bicycle from the roof and upside down. The problem is you have to lift the bike upside down and over your head to put the two wheels onto hooks. The hooks are on runners meaning that you can bunch them up or push them apart. (Veloglide 2007, video) Intricate bicycle lock.- from the blog called ‘ThinkSketch’. The writer has some interesting sketches about removing and connecting parts of the bicycle together to make a bicycle lock. One of his sketches uses the bicycle seat and bar to push though the handle bars to secure the bicycle
to a street pole. I like how he has ‘thought outside the box’. However it is for a special bike and I want a storage product for the “normal” everyday bike. (Thinksketch 2007, Article 1)
Examples of Automated Bicycle Storage Biceberg - an automatic underground bike park created in Spain. It collects bikes from, and returns them to street level. It can also be used to store accessories such as a helmet or backpack. It is activated with a card and personal pin number. It takes about 30 seconds for both storage and retrieval. It can hold anywhere from 23 to 92 bicycle depending on model size. (ma-s@biceberg 2005, para. 1-4) Tokyo bicycle parking tower - bicycles are placed on a small platform. The user hits a button and the system will automatically store their bicycle by ‘grabbing’ and lift their bike into an underground parking garage that can accommodate up to 9,400 bikes. When the user retrieves his bicycle, it only takes 23 seconds to accomplish the task. The parking system costs 100 yen (around one dollar) for a single use, or 1,800 yen (about 18 dollars) for a monthly pass. The video link below is in Japanese but the visual gives the concept.
(nihonnogenki 2008, video) The Bike Tree - bike storage which resembles large metallic tree objects. It hooks the front wheel of the bike and raises it to the top of the ‘pole’ to make an aesthetic “tree” shape. The user accesses the system with a smart card and the bicycle rolls up or down the ‘Bike Tree.’ Only with the user’s unique smart card can the hook bring that bicycle back down. This make theft and vandalism unlikely because the bicycle is out of reach. (upcycle 2006, video)
Examples of Bicycle Storage Services McDonalds Cycle Center, Millennium Park facility in Chicago - situated in a large park in Chicago it offers services such as secure bicycle parking, lockers, showers and towel service, bicycle rental, bicycle repair shop, guided bicycle tours and bicycle camps. (McDonalds Cycle Center 2009, para 1-8) Cycle2City in Brisbane (formerly the King George Square Cycle Center) - a fullyfeatured garage for the CBD bicycle commuters similar to the Millennium Park facility in Chicago. It offers secure storage, showers, hairdryers and lockers. A cafe and repair shop is planned. It is only open for commuters so not open weekends or week nights. (Cycle2City 2009)
Sketching
These initial sketches will help me achieve refining my concept and my visual outcome. Hopefully the sketches can also be used to stimulate discussion with others regarding my storage ideas.
The four sketches are of a storage stand where a bicycle could be stored on its back wheel vertically. The sketches have faults mainly to do with how to stop the bicycle wheel moving and the bicycle falling but I consider it is part of the process allowing me to investigate and expand different ideas.
The two cover sketches are working on the idea that I could make a bicycle cover which fits and secures over the bicycle when stored which will prevent vandalism, theft and to some degree protect from adverse weather conditions. I am investigating the concept and the materials to use with this idea.
3D modeling Initial models will help me to refine my concept and my visual outcome. As with the sketches, the models can be used to stimulate discussion of my ideas with others. The material I am using is a modeling dough. When warmed to body temperature or higher it is easy to distort and mold. It is then possible to quickly and easily produce a 3D visual of an idea.
Card Model
First attempt at full size model
Material Research Stand: Where the stand/storage product will be placed determines what material will be used. If placed outside the material needs to be sturdy enough to withstand weather, time, theft and vandalism. Therefore the material will most likely be sheet metal. If the design was for a more restricted area and under cover, such as in a building or house, then the material could be plastic and maybe injection molded.
Cover: As mentioned above, I am researching materials for a bicycle cover. It needs to be strong and durable enough to withstand vandalism, theft and weather conditions but it also has to be sufficiently flexible to fit the majority of bicycle shapes and still be space efficient.
Examples of materials include: - Kefon which is a mixture of synthetic fibers and stainless steel. It is used as a glove material in model making laboratories to prevent cuts from Stanley knives. The material can withhold a large amount of pressure and can flex. It can be cut but it has to be pushed against a hard backing to allow penetration. This material would be suitable to use because if a thief was trying to cut it they would have to use the frame of the bicycle as the hard backing and the bicycle would more than likely break. Plus the material is a thick grey colour and opaque so nothing is visible through the material. Hopefully the lack of visibility would deter theft or vandalism. - Chain mail which is a very strong material made from metal. It is used in butcher shops as gloves when cutting meat and in large machinery workshops. The material is movable because it is made from many small metal links. Unlike kefon, it is possible to see though the chain mail as it has many small holes. But theft and vandalism should not be a problem because chain mail is virtually impossible to cut without an angle grinder.
Conclusion of Project Research By creating more bicycle facilities I hope to promote cycling, creating better social views towards cyclists, lower impact environmentally and a healthier Melbourne for the future. From my research so far I feel there may be a gap in the market for a bicycle storage system which is user friendly, space efficient, safe and secure. The outcome of this project will be a design and working prototype of individual bicycle storage and a system and prototype of group bicycle storage. I realize there is no one inclusive design which encapsulates everyone’s needs. But although there are several storage systems in Melbourne improvements are needed for bikes to become a viable form of transport to compete with cars and public transport. Problems with existing bicycle systems include insufficient spots available, no provision for accessories and vulnerable to theft and vandalism
I have learnt though conducting this research that there is a wider variety of ways to store bicycles than I had imagined previously. After narrowing down the possibilities for the individual storage I am looking at making a vertical bicycle stand with a cover which is flexible enough to fit most bikes and will protect from weather, theft and vandalism. After making a space- efficient individual storage I hope to be able to extend the idea with multiple units of this type to be a large scale storage system. It is clear that for my large scale system for finance, time and other reasons I cannot attempt a model of a fully automated system such as in the European and Japanese examples written about in the main area of this report.
BibliographyHorton, D Rosen P & Cox, P 2007, Cycling and society, Publishing Ltd, England. Hoogma, R Kemp, R Schot, J & Truffer, B 2002, Experimenting for Sustainable Transport, The approach of strategic Niche Management. Spoon Press, New York. Hudon, M 1978, The Bicycle planning book, T. & A. Constable Ltd, Edinburgh City of Melbourne, 2009, Walking, Cycling and skating- Bicycle plan 2007-2011. City of Melbourne. Viewed March 24th 2009 http://www. melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=70&pa=1154&pg=3302 City of Melbourne, 2009, Research- How many people live in Melbourne. City of Melbourne. Viewed April 1st 2009. http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=91&pg=870 Melbourne’s population boom. The Age. Viewed April 1st 2009. By Melissa Marino, Tim Colebatch. March 24, 2005 http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Melbournes-populationbooms/2005/03/23/1111525222758.html McBride J, 2009, My Pre-Major Project. Word Press. Started March 23rd 2009. jenscorner09@wordpress.com Bicycle Victoria, 2009, Parkiteer, Bicycle Victoria, Viewed 1st June 2009, http://www.bv.com.au/bicycle-parking/43422/
Connex Melbourne Trains Australia, 2009, Bicycle Storage, Connex Melbourne Trains Australia, Viewed 1st March, http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au/index.php?id=59 Ma-s@biceberg , 2005, Biceburg automatic parking. Viewed 25 March 2009, http://www.biceberg.es/INGLES/m_producto.htm Raheelkhan, 2007, Luxury cycling parking in Germany’s top cycling city, YouTube, Viewed 31st March 2009, http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=A1bgcJMIV8Q 29yuli1951, 2007, Vertical Bicycle Parking, YouTube, Viewed 31st March 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjUAjJ5w5cc Veloglide, 2007, Veloglide Bicycle Storage, Viewed 31st March 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOVVjzbb8aQ Thinksketch, 2007, Simplifying the urban bicycle experience, WordPress.com, Viewed 29 April 2009. http://ecsketchportfolio.blogspot.com Nihonnogenki, 2008, Tokyo Bicycle Parking Tower, YouTube. Viewed 31st March, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE4fvwTBtno Upcycle, 2006, A New Way to Park Bicycles. Hang them in a Bike Tree!, YouTube, Viewed 31st March 2009, http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OcSD5MsQuVo McDonalds Cycle Center, 2009, Services, McDonald Cycle Center, Viewed 2nd June 2009, http://www.chicagobikestation.com/services.htm
Cycle2City, 2009, Cycle2city Start Work Well, Viewed 13 March 2009, http://www.cycle2city.com.au/site.php?content=home