By Jeffrey Goldberg
Washington Post, September 5, 1988
Just what kind of person would spend his days as a bicycle messenger,inhaling bus exhaust fumes, dodging taxis and dealing with frenetic dispatchersand harried receptionists?
"It's an interesting mix of people," said Scott Foreman, presidentof R&S Couriers Inc. of Bethesda. "A lot of Bohemian types aredoing it, people similiar to the nonstudent types who hang around universities,intelligent people who like the independence."
"A good courier is somebody who is intelligent and who has a healthyrespect for fear," said Russ Winter, a veteran courier who now worksas sales manager for Quick Messenger Service. "There is a certainmacho aspect to it. There is a lot of espirit de corps, with a little ofthe 'us against them.' But the courier with a chip on his shoulder is anoverwrought cliche."
Couriers divide themselves into different groups -- "vets,"those who make their living and sometimes support families on the moneythey earn; economically disadvantaged black teen-agers and adults, whomake up as much as half of the city's courier population; and "summerjocks," college students who more experienced couriers believe arein the business mostly just to show off expensive biking clothing.
Women make up 10 percent to 15 percent of Washington's courier population,but one female courier who gave her name as Sandra said that "notmany women want to work in these conditions. You've got to be a littlebit nuts to want to ride around traffic all day with the pollution andsuch." Couriers said lousy weather, pollution and fatigue all drivemany prospective couriers off the streets.
And many people who start as couriers quickly realize the job is notfor them.
"Some of the new guys are nervous, or a little apprehensive,"courier Milton Hill said.
"Either they get over it or they quit. You shouldn't do the jobif you're going to be scared."
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at messvilleto@yahoo.com