How to Become a Bike Courier in Boston, MA
Bike couriers are easy to spot in almost any densely populated city. The unique clothing and no-nonsense attitude set these pros apart. Boston's roads are home to a gang of aggressive and skilled cyclists; here's how you can join their ranks.
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Instructions
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Search out the busiest businesses that may need rapid transit for their documents or products. Boston may seem to be a difficult job market to venture into, but many established companies do business within the city limits every day. Law firms, financial corporations and parcel services operate day and night without interruption.
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Research the biking community through various online resources. Craigslisthas been an amazingly successful tool in finding full-time, part-time and contract positions for all sectors of work in Boston and throughout the country. Additionally, associations have been formed through out the country to represent cyclists' rights. New York Bike Messenger Association has taken up the torch of representing bike messenger and courier rights in opposition to aggressive motorists (see Resources below).
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Get your gear in order. Do not show up to your first day of work on a Huffy mountain bike. Serious business requires serious machinery, with capabilities that exceed the typical bike found at a Wal-Mart. Fixed- and single-gear bikes are quite popular with urban cyclists all around Boston. These types of bikes allow rapid acceleration and superior control during high and low speeds (see Resources below).
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Keep your goods safe. A proper messenger bag to hold a package and/or laptop is crucial. Any L.L. Bean backpack just won't do (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
Take whatever assignments are thrown your way. Even if a destination seems far, your bike and legs should be able to handle an intense workout. The pay at the end of the day is worth it!
The cliques that seem pre-formed when entering the bike courier business can be discouraging. Focus on your work and don't worry about evil glares and negative comments.
