Bicycles

Bindio lets cyclists leave their lock at home

Bindio lets cyclists leave their lock at home
One of the Wi-Fi-accessed Bindio bike-parking docks
One of the Wi-Fi-accessed Bindio bike-parking docks
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Cyclists who are members of the Bindio system can use an iOS/Android app on their smartphone to reserve a dock at their chosen destination
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Cyclists who are members of the Bindio system can use an iOS/Android app on their smartphone to reserve a dock at their chosen destination
Each Bindio dock has two chains, for two bikes
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Each Bindio dock has two chains, for two bikes
In some Bindio setups, the parking area will additionally feature a security camera and an audible alarm
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In some Bindio setups, the parking area will additionally feature a security camera and an audible alarm
Bindio is already in use in the Latvian city of Riga
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Bindio is already in use in the Latvian city of Riga
One of the Wi-Fi-accessed Bindio bike-parking docks
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One of the Wi-Fi-accessed Bindio bike-parking docks
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There's no denying that good-quality bike locks tend to be heavy, plus they're often awkward to carry. While we have seen efforts to make them lighter and less obtrusive, Latvian startup GreyNut has gone a step farther – its Bindio system simply places the lock at a parking spot at the cyclist's destination, so it's already there waiting for them.

Already in use in the Latvian city of Riga, Bindio consists of a series of Wi-Fi-enabled "bike docks" which are permanently installed at various locations such as stores, schools or cafes.

Cyclists who are members of the Bindio system first use an iOS/Android app on their smartphone to reserve a dock at their chosen destination. Upon getting there, they use that same app to wirelessly release one of that dock's two hardened-steel chains. They subsequently run that chain through their bike's frame and front wheel, then lock the chain back into the dock's central post.

Each Bindio dock has two chains, for two bikes
Each Bindio dock has two chains, for two bikes

Everything will stay secured, until that particular user comes back and uses their phone to unlock the chain. Additionally, should anyone try sawing or cutting through the chain, sensors in the dock will detect the telltale vibrations and notify the user via an alert on their phone. In some setups, the parking area will additionally feature a security camera and an audible alarm.

The system is free for cyclists to use, with revenue presumably coming from businesses and/or municipalities that pay to have the docks installed. Of course, it will only come in handy for cyclists who are travelling to Bindio-equipped locations, plus they won't be able to make any unplanned stops en route. Nonetheless, it could work out well for riders who regularly go to and from such a place with little deviation.

GreyNut is currently raising funds on Kickstarter, in order to increase distribution of the system. While various rewards are available for smaller pledge amounts, US$1,620 will get you a Bindio dock of your own – should everything work out. A motorcycle-specific model is available for $1,290.

The system is demonstrated in the following video.

Source: Kickstarter

Bindio Kickstarter video

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5 comments
5 comments
Robert Walther
Since it is a permanent installation, might as well make the chain long enough to cover both wheels.
swaan
http://bikeep.com/ - same thing, already available, doesn't require a smartphone.
fred_dot_u
I think cyclists will be able to make unplanned stops enroute. Having this type of bike security feature will not prevent normal travel. Security at those unplanned stops isn't going to be as convenient, however.
Bob Flint
So if your phone dies, or is lost/stolen then you walk home?
unklmurray
This is really a bad Idea!!!If everyone did this there would be 2-3 hundred permanent poles outside of every store.....and if you have some sort of wi-fi smart-phone thingy,then I bring my "Master Key"-App and all the bikes become mine......When I lived in Eugene Oregon....I kept a lock and cable attached at all the places I frequented ,I just rode up and used my key.....worked out id did, I left a 30ft steel braided cable at each of 6 locations around the city......I rode a trike,of my own design,like nothing you ever saw B4....2 wheels in front & no it did NOT resemble a tadpole.......point is there got 2 B numerous locks at each store as more & more people started 2 do what I was doing...........