The Metropolis of Boston is providing a free bike-washing service within the Seaport, by means of an automatic machine that retails for greater than $57,000 and has sparked some web backlash.
“The cycleWash is an automated bicycle washing system designed to promote sustainable transportation,” the Boston Planning Division wrote on social media alongside a video depicting use of the machine.
“It is located in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park at 12 Drydock Ave., and is available to the public for free through a partnership with the City of Boston.”
The Planning Division first famous the bike washer’s set up this previous April, and stated it should stay “open and free to the public until next winter.”
The “cycleWash” was created by CW Cleansing Options, and the professional black or professional platinum mannequin that seems to be depicted within the metropolis video retails for $57,237, based on the corporate web site.
A daily-sized customary model is listed at $35,762, whereas a mini model of the bike-washing system prices $20,868, per the corporate’s web site.
Mayor Michelle Wu’s workplace and the Planning Division didn’t reply to a Herald inquiry on how a lot the machine, or the partnership with the producer, is costing taxpayers. The Herald first raised questions with town greater than 10 days in the past.
“This is an exciting partnership where we’re able to provide public land for community use and highlight an exciting, emerging, innovative business,” Rebecca Tomasovic, the planning division’s director of actual property, says within the metropolis’s video.
Mayor Wu’s workplace and the Planning Division additionally didn’t reply to extra inquiries from the Herald about whether or not the brand new machine was being utilized in other ways than supposed — as was indicated in a social media submit from a preferred neighborhood account, Solely in Boston, that alerted many individuals to town’s new bike washing system earlier this month.
A number of X customers bashed town’s use of taxpayer {dollars}, and questioned why cyclists had been being prioritized for a free cleansing whereas motorists must pay for the same service.
“Where’s our free car washes seeing we pay all the taxes used for this utter waste of our money?” a commenter with Daybreak Girard as a username wrote. “Dumbest thing I’ve seen yet. Where’s our audit?”
