In aus.bicycle on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:39:38 +1000
cfsmtb wrote:
Back to the valet parking issue, now that the CF server back from the
dead, I think you're on the money about larger venues, maybe situated
in more established retail areas? The bike station/hub isn't a new idea
but there's excellent potential for it to be tailored for local needs
etc.

A memory is swimming up from the depths.... Wasn't this tried in
Adelaide at one point? A valet parking station for bicycles where
they were all racked for you and you produced your ticket to get your
bike back?

I can't remember if it was tried or just mooted, didn't get anywhere
though.

Problem I see is scale. You have to have a human being, that human
being must be paid. So you have to charge enough to cover wages and
real estate. City real estate costs a packet, suburban hub less so.

I could see it as an advantage for say a large sporting event except
that the facilities would either be temporary - thus quite possibly
not very good and leading to damage or fear of damage - or else
expensive to have for a few times a year.

How much would someone pay for valet parking when the alternative is
chain it to a railing or a tree? $5? 100 people at $5 might just
cover costs for a bit of pipe at an event and a single attendant.

Zebee