A Friendly Reminder…

We all know what it is like to get caught in traffic in the city. No one likes it and it always gets you mad. Unfortunately people seem to take their anger out on the couriers wizzing by their windows. People scream and shout at the couriers for getting in their way when they are just doing their jobs. But on the off chance someone is really mad, they will get out of their car and physically attack the riders. THIS IS NOT NICE! But people seem to do it anyway. But be warned, couriers are strong and if you are bigger then them, just know this, they may ride fast but they can run faster. So don’t waste your breath, be kind and share the road. If red lights and traffic don’t keep them from delivering on time than neither will you. The video above is a trailer from a movie and it shows how life is and the struggles one goes through as a bike courier.

Whata ya hear, whata ya say?

Within my blog I have given the readers information on bike couriers but I do not know every thing about. It is because of this that I asked Tom Cromwell of Breakaway Courier Systems if I could interview him. Tom is President and owner of Breakaway Courier Systems in Boston. I sent him an e-mail asking him if it would be okay to interview him, within my e-mail were the questions that I was going to ask him. He replied the next day with the answers. This is not surprising seeing how all couriers are always on time.

 

1. What do you do at Breakaway Courier Systems?

I am the President and owner and I manage the daily operations  

2. What do you do as courier?

As the president I work closely with the dispacth staff and the customers. Each day is a challenge trying to delivery 400 on-demand packages on time with 40 couriers.

Couriers pick and delivery packages by bike, car, or van. There are many skills required to do the job effectively. The most important are

A. Safety for yourself and the general public

B. Communication and problem solving

C. Navigation, map reading, and knowledge of the city

3. What problems do couriers most often face in the city?

Potholes and hidden obstacles, aggressive drivers, and uncooperative security guards

4. What do you ride?

I don’t ride. I sit in my chair during work chair. I do ride my bike to and from the train station every day.

5. Why do you think people prefer bike couriers over say UPS in the 
city?

Bike messengers always deliver the same day. UPS and FedEx always deliver tomorrow. That is a big difference.

6. What do couriers do when they are not on the bike?

Many work other jobs, many of our riders are involved in the music industry. Some of them are artists.

7. How and what do couriers get paid?

Most work on a commission basis, some work on an hourly basis. All couriers are employees of Breakaway.

8. Do you view bicycle couriers as an underground culture? Why?

No, not really. I would consider them to more of a “community”. Many of the bikers in Boston are friends and share common interests, such as music and art.

9. Do prices go up when winter comes around?

No. Please check out new website at www.Breakawayboston.com for information about all of our rates and services. We also have some great photographs. Be sure to hit the Phote Refresh button on the bottom right of the home page.

10. Why ride a fixed gear bike in the city?

Some of the riders think its safer in bad weather (rain and snow), and also less maintenance.

 

I hope Tom is pleased with the interview and I hope he likes the blog. I want to thank Mr. Tom Cromwell for the interview and for answering my biggest question of why ride fixed gear in the city?

 

 

 

Always on Time

Why would one prefer a bike courier over UPS or another motorized delivery service? Well if you live in the stix you may not want a bike courier but if you live in the city you know how hard it is to get around in a car. So when it comes to speedy delivery, a bike courier in a city is faster than a car or truck in the city.

Weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, riding on the sidewalk. Couriers cover good ground and get around the troubles cars face in the city, making bike couriers always on time and nothing will stop them, traffic or red lights, they go through it.

The price of delivers for bike couriers differs depending on what company you use but the average price for a reagular delivery is about 8.50 and than a dollor more for each over sized package you wish to have delivered. The couriers at the Breakaway Courier Systems in Boston charge 7.50 for a regular delivery, 8.00 for a rush delivery, and 8.50 for express rush delivery. A rush delivery is a promised hour delivery, but a express rush delivery is promised to be under an hour, even under a half an hour.

Ride a Fixie

When ever you are in the city you will undoubtedly see a bike courier. Weaving in and out of grid lock and cutting corners. With capri’s and jeans with only one pant leg rolled up. The underground graphics and stickers stuck to their frames and riding caps and tats. They have no fear and they ride with speed and agility and so must their gear. 

If you look closer you will see almost all of them ride a fixed gear bike, also called “a fixie.” A fixie is a bicycle with a single hub and cog on the back wheel and only one chain ring on the front crank. Some fixies have a dual flip hub in the rear giving the rider the options of a fixed or freewheel drive train. Some brands of popular fixed gear bikes are Paké and Bianchi.

Along with riding fixies, all bike couriers carry big delivery bags. Though some may think any bag can work there is something special about delivery bags. Some are roll top bags that tend to be water tight. There are also sling bags that just strap across your chest. A great example of delivery bags are those made by Chrome Bags.

The Intro…

What is up all you bloggers? I am here to cover the crazy world bicycle couriers. This developing, radical delivery service takes skill, courage, and mad reflexes. If you think you have what it takes to travel at high speeds through grid lock and alley ways then take a look at my blog and see what your in for…

 

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