If you like biking around and you’re currently looking for a change of job, you may well have considered combining these two aspects together to embark on a career as a cycle courier. But what is life as a cycle courier really like, and what do you need to consider before you become one? Here we take a look at the ins and outs of the job, and explore some relevant courier insurance issues.
How the job works
Before we get into some of the issues involved with being a cycle courier and what it takes to be one, we should first take a quick snapshot of what the job actually is and what it involves.
Once you’ve got your bike and a will to turn your pedal power into hard cash, the first thing you need to do is approach one of the cycle courier companies in your area for a job. When you’ve successfully done that, you’ll be given a two-way radio or mobile phone, and it is through this that you’ll be given your jobs. The details of these will include the pick up address and your contact’s name, along with the destination of the package. It’s then up to you to find the quickest route between point A and point B, and get the package delivered on time.
As well as needing to get the package there by a specific time, you also need to be as quick as possible because you’re generally paid by the package, and if you take too long on one, that’s time wasted that could’ve been spent taking on another job.
What kind of bike do you need?
At the most basic level you need a road bike that is reliable and is capable of travelling at relatively high speeds and manoeuvring with ease around traffic. The most popular type of bike used by cycle couriers is the ‘fixie’, or fixed gear bicycle. This type of bike is highly specialised as it has only one gear and no ‘freewheel’ – the pedals always turn when the back wheel is turning, so you can’t coast (though some models do have the option of a freewheel). Most fixed gear bikes also don’t have brakes, and you instead stand on the pedals to come to a stop.
Why fixed gear bikes? Because they’re generally lighter, faster, more reliable and require far less maintenance than their multiple-geared brethren. Narrow tyres with minimal tread are also often used to further maximise speed.
In addition to your bike, you’ll need to invest in a good helmet and a sturdy bike lock.
What you’ll carry
Cycle couriers generally operate in urban areas and will carry anything from legal documents and contracts, to blood, expensive jewellery and other items.
Courier insurance
As a cyclist you of course don’t need vehicle insurance as a legal requirement. However as you’ve probably invested a fair bit of money on your bike and it’s essential for you to be able to do your job, you should seriously consider getting it insured against theft or damage. As your job relies on you being physically fit meanwhile and you’re constantly zooming in and out of traffic, it may be prudent to invest in courier insurance with personal accident cover which will cover you during any times that you’re unable to work due to injury.
From the horse’s mouth
Being a cycle courier is perfect for someone who wants to push themselves physically, but if you’re someone who likes to dawdle along and would rather be sat in a comfy chair than out and about on a saddle, it probably isn’t for you. In his book, Cycleography, cycle courier Jon Day points out that “Physically, the work is grindingly hard. On an average day you’ll cycle 60 to 100 miles, deliver 20 or so packages, and earn maybe £3 a package. On a good day you’ll break £100.”
If you’re prepared to ride hard and work hard though, why not get on the saddle and give it a try? If you need any advice on cycle courier insurance, get in touch with Park Insurance.