Japan's Underground Bike Elevator Is A Work Of Pure Genius | HuffPost Life

Japan's Underground Bike Elevator Is A Work Of Pure Genius

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Lifestyle Editor, HuffPost

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This commute couldn't get any cooler.

In some parts of Japan, there's no need for cyclists to wedge their bikes awkwardly against a parking sign or use cumbersome locks. Instead, this mind-boggling underground bike parking garage stores bikes with the poke of a button, and in the most fascinating way possible.

Just load the bike into the elevator...

...and it makes the underground journey to its parking spot in eight seconds, on average.

Bring back an ID ticket when ready to leave, and the machine will deliver the bike from waaay underground. The garages are built to be earthquake-proof, and they open up street space that would normally become congested with bike parking. Oh, and also, they keep bikes really safe. According to Mashable, it only costs about $15 per month to store a bike.

It's a work of sheer genius.

H/T Digg

Before You Go

Bike tours

(01 of08)

DUVINE CYCLING + ADVENTURE CO.WorldwideAndy Levine founded DuVine in 1996 on a tight budget, and now offers small-group trips in 21 countries. His travel philosophy places equal emphasis on eating, drinking, cycling, and sleeping, and the company limits trips to 14 to ensure a quality time for all. Levine has personally tested almost every one of his tours, and cites Corsica, France among his favorites for its dramatic coastline views and challenging bike route. (It should be noted that Corsica is geared toward riding pros.)Highlight: Levine said Tuscany is the most popular destination at the moment. Tour styles range from weekend bike enthusiast to hard-core cycler, though all include gourmet meals, wines, and stays in luxury hotels. Opt for the couture tour for the chance to stay at five-star properties such as the Castello di Velona, a restored medieval fortress with a spa and pool fed by an on-site mineral hot spring — perfect for post-cycling recovery.

(02 of08)

TREK TRAVELWorldwideTypical tours include everything you come to expect from a luxury operator: high-end Trek bikes, a range of ride styles and activity levels, lodging at castles and villas, and food prepared by renowned chefs.Highlight: Etape du Tour gives Tour de France dreamers the chance to ride a stage of the legendary race. The five-day trip (with one race day) allows amateurs to travel along a challenging section of the route, usually during a rest day for actual competitors. There's the added benefit of a travel support team and a full buffet spread awaiting you afterward in a private tent.

(03 of08)

BACKROADSWorldwideBackroads launched in 1979 as a small regional bike tour company, and has since grown to offer almost 200 trips (including hiking and multisport) in 38 countries. Go the Premiere route for five-star lodging and service.Highlight: Does a week of biking sound like too much? Mix it up with a five-day multisport trip from the Everglades to Key West, a new addition to the getaway lineup. Alternate biking in Everglades National Park with kayaking and snorkeling in the Keys. After all that activity, relax in luxe surroundings, such as Ocean Key Resort & Spa in Key West.

(04 of08)

WESTERN SPIRITWestern U.S.As the name suggests, Western Spirit specializes in the Western U.S., with a penchant for national parks, deserts, and famous trails. Backcountry chefs prepare all meals while a support vehicle carries gear and creature comforts. Kick it up with a customized trip, which can include a private chef, massage therapist, or luxe camping.Highlight: Enjoy the wilderness without completely roughing it by choosing the six-day Yellowstone and Beartooth Pass trip. Be forewarned that this is an advanced level excursion, biking up to 65 miles a day at altitudes up to 11,000 feet. However, the reward is staying at the park’s top hotels where a hot shower and comfortable bed await.

(05 of08)

GOURMET CYCLING TRAVELEuropeSimon Kessler, a former pro racer, and Jonathan Chiri, a gourmet chef with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, joined forces to create a luxurious food and bike experience. Expect at least one of them to personally guide you on a tour through some of the world’s outstanding food and wine regions, including Provence and Catalonia.Highlight: Spend six days exploring the Loire Valley in France—bike to the region’s grand chateaux, visit local markets, and partake in a private cooking class. A Michelin-rated dinner at the end of the trip is the perfect way to cap off a week of gastronomic exploration.

(06 of08)

SOJOURNNorth America Sojourn specializes in the bike paths less traveled, such as routes around Texas Hill Country, or traveling from Ottawa to Montreal. Guides lead you to the best offerings in the area: For example, a recent bike tour in Martha’s Vineyard included a stop at the Bon Appétit-approved Beach Plum Restaurant. Highlight: Vermont to Quebec City is one of the more popular routes, and can be spectacular in the fall when the leaves start to change. The nine-day intermediate ride through too-cute villages includes meals, two guides, and a transport van if you get too tired along the way.

(07 of08)

BUTTERFIELD & ROBINSONWorldwideButterfield & Robinson has been leading biking (and walking) tours since 1966, and remains a heavyweight in the luxury bike tour space. It’s grown to offer more than 100 trips on six continents, including Asia and Africa. Expect small groups and a choice of riding styles, from easy to Type A active. A typical trip includes a mix of cultural exploration on leading bike brands (Bianchi, Cannondale), knowledgeable guides, thoughtfully chosen meals, and top-rated hotels.Highlight: A newly added week-long excursion through Chile offers a moderate pace through wine country, with plenty of time for wine tasting. (Of note: Puglia, Italy is trending at the moment thanks to flat terrain that’s geared toward all abilities.)

(08 of08)

VBT BICYCLING AND WALKING VACATIONSWorldwideEstablished in 1971, VBT is another bike tour company that’s had a few decades to perfect its offerings. Standout offerings include a bike and barge option, where travelers overnight on a barge and explore by bike during the day; and food-specific bike tours through Vietnam and Tuscany.Highlight: New 2015 departures to warmer winter climes have been announced, including 10 days exploring Cape Town and the Garden Route in South Africa. The easy-paced route includes an ostrich farm tour, a vineyard visit, and picnicking in a national park.

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