These Bike Vending Machines Are Off the Chain
Every city biker has been there: a pinched tube or a chain malfunction while you’re mid-pedal. New York mixologist Matthew von Ohlen once found himself with a flat tire under the Manhattan bridge and had to walk two miles to find any sort of help. So, he and Joeseph Huba co-founded Bikestock, a self-service vending machine making the urban sprawl a safer and more bike-friendly place for urban cyclists.
Inspired by Bike Fixation in Matt’s hometown of Minneapolis, Bikestock machines come equipped with things like tubes, tape and tools, energy drinks and organic chocolate, and seasonal items like ponchos, for when you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm. They’re even open 24/7 and accept both cash and credit, so bikers will never find themselves stranded.
The team’s aim isn’t so much world domination as it is offering more available and convenient bike kiosks around the city. After the initial launch of a machine outside the Morgan L stop, Bikestock is expanding into Lower Manhattan. Rumor has it, they’re aiming to get six more units up and running by the end of summer.
In a time when you can control your bike lock from an app, and trick out your ride with succulent plants, it’s obvious that the biking revolution will only continue to pick up steam. Last year, San Francisco launched a bike share program, following cities like New York and Toronto, and more and more companies are offering benefits to employees who ride their two-wheelers to work. Our guess is we’ll be seeing more expansion from safety-focused companies like Bikestock — and we couldn’t be happier.
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(h/t Huffington Post + Wall Street Insanity)
