The bicycle repair vending machine open 365 days a year

Cyclists in Minneapolis who need to fix a puncture or make other repairs out of hours now have access to a self-service vending machine that is open 365 days a year.

Bike Fixtation offers self-service kiosks on an extended-hours basis for cyclists to buy an inner tube or patch kit, pump up tyres for free, and make simple adjustments using supplied tools. The vending machine also sells lights, snacks, drinks and sunscreen.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The growing number of urban cyclists deserve imaginative services such as Bike Fixation.”

Automated cycling

Japanese cities have limited space and cyclists are regularly fined the equivalent of £35 for illegal parking.

In a similar vein to vending machine technology, Tokyo is increasing its parking space capacity with a graceful, high-tech solution; the bicycle is taken by lift and parked automatically and securely.

Cycle insurance – benefits included automatically

Cycle insurance from the ETA automatically includes new-for-old replacement, accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike. More info