To become a bike messenger, one needs a good bike, waterproof bag, navigational aids, and connections with courier services and other messengers. Physical fitness, reflexes, and knowledge of urban geography are also important. Many courier services pay per delivery and offer little to no benefits. Joining messenger communities can provide leads and socialization.
A job seeker looking to become a bike messenger will need the right mix of equipment, skills and contacts. The equipment needed to become a bike messenger varies slightly from city to city, but always includes an excellent bike, some cargo storage space, and navigational aids. A bike courier needs to know the geography of the city he wants to work in and be in excellent physical condition. Finding a good courier company to work with and making connections with other bike couriers in the local area is also helpful.
The most important equipment needed to become a bike messenger is a good bike. A courier spends hours every day on his bike, stopping and starting in traffic. Couriers almost always supply their own bikes and should select a bike that is durable, comfortable and with excellent brakes, as couriers need to stop frequently and sometimes suddenly.
A bicycle messenger also needs to purchase some additional equipment. A bag is essential and must be waterproof. Maps or a device capable of using global positioning system (GPS) technology are also extremely helpful. A lock to secure the messenger bike when picking up or dropping off packages is also essential.
Someone who wants to become a bicycle messenger must be prepared for days spent doing hard, demanding and dangerous work. Bike messengers need to be able to ride for hours every day. They are constantly making their way through dense urban traffic and as such need to have excellent reflexes to avoid accidents or injuries, all too common in this occupation.
Navigational aids make getting around easier, but a basic knowledge of urban geography is still very useful for anyone trying to become a bike messenger. Knowledge of the actual location of buildings and streets is helpful. Familiarity with traffic patterns throughout the day is also very helpful.
A bike courier will usually need to work with a courier service. These services advertise and aren’t difficult to locate, but finding the right service to work with can make becoming a bike courier much easier. Most services pay per delivery rather than an hourly rate. Very few services offer any kind of medical or other benefit, although some do, and investigating this aspect from potential employers is worthwhile, particularly as bike messengers have a high rate of injuries on the job.
Some cities have very active messenger communities. These communities provide opportunities for socialization and camaraderie. More importantly, for someone who wants to become a bike courier, he can provide leads and information about courier services in a particular city.
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