The City of Boston is offering a free bike-washing service in the Seaport, by way of an automated machine that retails for more than $57,000 and has sparked some internet backlash.

“The cycleWash is an automated bicycle washing system designed to promote sustainable transportation,” the Boston Planning Department 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 Department first noted the bike washing machine’s installation this past April, and said it will remain “open and free to the public until next winter.”

The “cycleWash” was created by CW Cleaning Solutions, and the pro black or pro platinum model that appears to be depicted in the city video retails for $57,237, according to the company website.

A regular-sized standard version is listed at $35,762, while a mini version of the bike-washing system costs $20,868, per the company’s website.

Mayor Michelle Wu’s office and the Planning Department did not respond to a Herald inquiry on how much the machine, or the partnership with the manufacturer, is costing taxpayers. The Herald first raised questions with the city more than 10 days ago.

“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 department’s director of real estate, says in the city’s video.

Mayor Wu’s office and the Planning Department also didn’t respond to additional inquiries from the Herald about whether the new machine was being used in different ways than intended — as was indicated in a social media post from a popular community account, Only in Boston, that alerted many people to the city’s new bike washing system earlier this month.

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Several X users bashed the city’s use of taxpayer dollars, and questioned why cyclists were being prioritized for a free cleaning while motorists have to pay for a similar service.

“Where’s our free car washes seeing we pay all the taxes used for this utter waste of our money?” a commenter with Dawn Girard as a username wrote. “Dumbest thing I’ve seen yet. Where’s our audit?”

The Cycle Wash station outside the Marine Park Garage at 12 Drydock Avenue offers cyclists a place to clean their bikes. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)