Richmond is going to be the first in Canada to have an automated bike storage system when the new Minoru Centre for Active Living opens.
An artist’s rendering of what the new 34-capacity, electronic bike rack may look like at the new Minoru Centre for Active Living. Rendering submitted
The electronic bike rack has a 34-bike capacity and was purchased earlier this year by the City of Richmond for a “negotiated” cost of $127,500 (the actual value was $225,000).
The system – called SABPS-1 or a “MAZDome” - was selected from a Metro Vancouver-based company called Mazdis.
It will feature additional storage space for accessories and has multi-layer protection from theft and vandalism.
According to the city’s projections, it’s estimated the unit will serve approximately 21,900 bicycles a year over 15 years, which equates to 38 cents per bike.
The city said the purchase of the system includes a two-year warranty with options to extend and a full operating and maintenance manual, with training provided to staff.
A secure bike storage unit, or enclosure, is a zoning requirement for the new Minoru facility, which was slated to open this fall, after a roughly 16-month delay.
