Re: Licensing of Bicycle Couriers by Metro Licensing Commission
May 31, 1991
The Association of Professional Urban Cyclists is a labour based organization with temporary offices at 506 Adelaide Street West, founded in November 1990 by Neville Alexander and Shannon Reiner to unite the bicycle couriers and protect their chosen profession from bureaucratic bungling. A body of 10 persons loosely runs the organization, all on a volunteer basis, with approximately 150 couriers supporting the efforts of APUC.
Brief Courier Job Description
Working Conditions
Driving 50 hours a week on the downtown streets, with traffic chaos, exhaust fumes, blind pedestrians and obnoxious security guards, is not something you could wish upon someone, but we choose to do it. Physical problems with knees and backs are the most dreaded. Scrapes and bruises seem to be the most common. All the above factors make this a job, not a career.
Cost of bicycle courier services to clients.
Minimum charges $2.50 for pickup and delivery within the same day. Maximum charge $15.00 straight up to Eglinton Ave. in less than one hour. Average charge per delivery is $3.50/$4.00. Note most couriers make only a percentage of the charge, 50% - 70%. Clients are charged GST on all deliveries.
Income level, and expenses of bicycle couriers.
Gross $18,000 to $14,000 per year, full time, 2 weeks off. After expenses, repairs, replacements (1/3 to 1/2 gross income), and more than the average food consumption, taxes, fines, etc. most couriers are at or below the poverty line. The above stats are from 1989 and the current recession has decreased pay even further.
Bike handling, skill level & attitude towards accidents.
Bike handling and skill level improve with experience. The more years on the road, the better the rider, generally. The appearance of recklessness in bicycle couriers, which shouldn't be confused with foolish recklessness, is just another technique in the repertoire of a professional urban cyclist. The attitude towards accidents is simply; do not get hit, it's not worth it, you will lose - 2 tons vs 200 lbs is no contest. Even pedestrians can seriously wipe out a bicycle with just one hand.
The following are submissions by Toronto bike messengers to the Metro Licensing Commission regarding the Commissions attempts to license bike couriers. They are dated May 31 and June 1, 1991.
From Shannon Reiner, (A.P.U.C.):
A typical day in the life of a bicycle courier. November 13, 1990, 8:30 a.m.
Grey, freezing drizzle, 5 degrees Celsius, pedestrian, car, cars, truck, streetcar, taxi, car. Acknowledge message from dispatcher, cars, bicycle, trucks, van, car, bus, pedestrian, stop, enter building, elevator, see nice receptionist answer phone, grab package, elevator, unlock bicycle, cars, pothole, pedestrian, streetcar track, taxi, taxi, pedestrian, red light, etc. Repeat 25 to 50 times a day.
So it goes, day after day. I have developed a sharp awareness of the hazards of the road including an extra sense which might be described as the mind guesser sense. I have persevered through thick and thin. From the most adverse weather/traffic/economic conditions, to deliveries in Scarborough, North York, and Etobicoke all in the same day. Sometimes I question myself about I continue to apply myself to these duties. I usually respond with, 'I'm Building discipline and character, but the job does offer some advantages: being outside, riding a bicycle and the impression of entrepreneurial spirit.
After six years on the road, I have suffered two minor injuries on the job and never have I caused an accident of any kind. I took my first job at a smaller company, one that had a higher downtown charge than most. I was the only bicycle courier they had and I actually had to talk them into hiring a bicycle. They had me purchase the same insurance that their licensed car drivers had. I never needed it and didn't renew. I did quite well for a time (1 year), and developed a feeling of contributing to something. The company now had 10 bicycle couriers and 10 less cars. Like all good things, it came to an end. Drifting now on the fringe of the courier business, I encountered many dead ends, pitfalls, exploitations, and the like from a host of sources (some most certainly playing a serious game of deception). But the real sharks lie elsewhere.
I persevered and once again found a niche in the fragile bicycle courier industry. The industry's slim profit margins, which are already standard, have created the following problem. The non- experienced, owner/manager/operators opening every week and undercutting the already established companies and then going out of business. As a result, the cost of a delivery in Toronto has not increased in 10 years, although the cost of living has and the current recession has actually decreased our pay.
The one most constant thing in the courier industry is the source, the large corporation with a big delivery service account. This corporation, over its many years in business, has figured the best way to get the most number of deliveries completed for the most amount of dividends, in most of the shareholders pockets. This has been accomplished by cutting out the biggest shareholder, the Government. The books no longer have delivery service accounts directly tied to payroll deductions. This leaves the delivery service contractors holding potential taxation revenue which ends up directly supplementing the sub-contractors' (bicycle couriers') commission.
The courier industry will ultimately have to pass the cost of insurance/licensing on to either the Bicycle Courier or the corporate account. Past and current industry trends indicate that the individual courier will pay, most likely in the form of a daily fee. Most bicycle couriers make less than poverty wages after expenses.
What benefits do I receive from licensing? Who is going to protect me when I'm inevitably bowled over by a motorist or pedestrian? Especially in the event I'm injured. Under no-fault (insurance), during the first week I would zero dollars from an insurance claim. Most bicycle accidents are minor with less than one week injury time.
On the positive side of Metro's proposed licensing of bicycle couriers, government will be half closing a loop hole in the large corporations' efforts to maximize dividends. Negatively, it will be hitting hardest the working people that are making an honest living that is quite clean and positive to the future of our planet.
I beg Metro to go after the source instead of serving it.
Oh, and about getting "bowled over by a bicycle courier", the odds are approximately: Metro Population 2,000,000 / 250 bicycle couriers, or 8,000:1 and that's only during business hours.
From John Greig, (A.P.U.C.):
Bicycle couriers are Ambassadors of the street who operate between pedestrians and motor traffic, avoiding both.
The "perception" that citizens risk being "bowled over" by couriers is mostly fantasy and strangely invented by people who spend the greater portion of their working days indoors. Bike couriers are on the street each day, year round and are expert cyclists. Commonly, bike couriers are overly cautious. Hit someone and you will get hurt too. That's the rule.
Riding bicycles on city sidewalks is forbidden and rightly so. Sidewalks are the domain of pedestrians. Yet in this automobile obsessed society, civic officials deem it proper for local business people and organizations to block sidewalks with shiny sports cars while selling tickets to raffle them off. This is curious.
For those attempting to tag an ethos to bike couriers, lets hope they come up with something positive. Bike couriers are good for any city and do not deserve a toe tag.
From Peter Lord, A.P.U.C.:
As a cycle courier, full time, year round. I have to be concerned with the notion of a bylaw being introduced that would license bicycle couriers, restrict their freedoms as citizens and more fodder to never ending bureaucracy that distracts the people and wastes their time and tax money. I would be glad to put the money and energy into a license if I thought it would serve a useful purpose. I have been at this job almost three years and there has never been a problem that required licensing. It works so well, it is the most popular way of delivering packages. We must be doing something right. This service is virtually limitless and in times of economic expansion (even now) this service is a necessity and not a luxury. As a fulltime courier, I take the job very seriously. I think it is unfair to try to horn in our system because it is a system that works for all involved. If people opened their eyes before they stepped into moving traffic, endangering the lives of others, then maybe they wouldn't be so frightened of bicycle couriers, maybe there wouldn't be such a hate for couriers. We're just trying to do our jobs and stay alive as best we an. It is dangerous and we do it by choice. With co-operation and meaningful dialogue we might even be able to create a favourable environment for a licensing by-law. We had hoped to be more involved with the process.
From Kevin F., A.P.U.C.:
I have been a bicycle courier for more than a year and a half and I love it. I have never hit a pedestrian but I have had two accidents when a driver opened a car door without looking, both resulting in minor repairs to my bike and myself and no damage to the car or person who opened the door.
A Winter Day. I start my day by listening to the weather to figure out what clothes to wear and what extras to bring with me. Leaving my place before sun up and riding in the cold winter air wakes me up and I ride faster through the snow. A driver who only cleaned off enough of the front windshield to see out the front, cuts me off because he can't see out the back window. I get to Bay and Bloor and check in about 8:15 a.m. I get some pick-ups going downtown and head off. I continue picking up and dropping off till about 5:30 p.m. and then home. Working in the winter has many advantages. All or most of the pedestrians are in the underground malls. There is much less traffic, less couriers and no problem finding a place to lock my bike. I also like the challenge of facing bad weather forcing me to transcend the cold wind and snow. It's great fun and personally challenging.
In the summer the weather is good but the abundance of pedestrians emerging from the tunnels and walking out from between parked cars, standing five feet from the curb waiting for the light to change causes many problems for cyclists and cars.
Ninety percent of my near death experiences are caused by drivers paying more attention to their car phones than the road, with phone in one hand and cigarette in the other, they can't be bother to signal or pay attention to traffic conditions. There is also a problem with commuter cyclists and new or summer only couriers who don't know how to ride in heavy traffic. They are a danger to themselves and other cyclists and cars. Parking spots that are secure and convenient are sparse for locking your bike, but I still love my job. Over all it is a great job because I get to challenge myself, go different places every day, meet new people and I don't have to wear a suit and tie.
I'm concerned that if the proposed by-law is passed I may end up in the welfare line, as my company would cut back on their bicycle couriers and replace them with cars, increasing the traffic and more importantly the pollution. If a gun permit only costs $23.00, surely licensing a bike courier, a non-polluting, clean and efficient form of transportation, shouldn't pay more. The costs that are for the companies will only be passed on to the courier in direct charges or reduced commissions.
From Mike Armstrong (A.P.U.C.):
I make my living delivering parcels on my bicycle in downtown Toronto and have been doing so for almost four years. In that time, I have grown fond of my work. Being outdoors (despite inhospitable conditions) and being part of the rhythm of the city make my work enjoyable. After taxes, I do not make very much money. I am, however able to remain in school part time (York U.) and create my music, while still paying the rent on time. These are my thoughts on being a bicycle courier.
Dealing with Traffic: Over the years, I feel that I have acquired extremely good riding skills. In four years, I have had no serious accidents nor have I hit any pedestrians. I don't ride slow either. I can see situations developing up to 20 seconds before they happen. Expect and be ready for anything from motorists, other cyclists and pedestrians. This is the golden rule of cycling in the city. To deal with this, I have adopted a tolerant attitude, taking everything in stride. No, I'm not kidding.
Experiencing Conflicting Attitudes Toward Me, The Courier , On the Road: I feel that there is sometimes a mutual respect between vehicles and bicycle couriers. I notice this when I ride recreationally in the city and visibly not working as a courier - it's a bit scarier. Other times, however, I find we are marked for death.
The Image Thing: Needless to say, bicycle couriers are a highly visible group and I'm constantly aware of this as i work in a city geared towards tourism and conventions (remember Toronto the Good?) Some may see bicycle couriers as a blemish on Toronto's shiny image. I think that our presence has a positive impact on a rather humdrum landscape of the city core.
An Expensive Job: Riding a bicycle on the streets of Toronto nine hours a day is costly. Food consumption can be a bit silly (6,000 calories a day?) as do the expenses of clothing and bicycle upkeep, as everyone knows our winters can be devastating. I have gone through two and a half bikes in four years and enough parts to build up another four bikes. We can't always riding on Spadina Avenue either.
My Attitude: I sincerely believe that what I do for a living is tremendously positive for the city of Toronto. I provide a safe, clean and efficient service delivering parcels in a city which is growing continually congested and polluted. The bicycle (courier) is the logical alternative and should be encouraged in every way by a city government which has a mandate to cut down on its carbon monoxide emissions.
Another From Mike Armstrong, A.P.U.C.:
I see the marble-lined corporate corridors. I see the graffiti in the elevators of St. James Town. I see black, gold-trimmed imported automobiles browse through red lights as the driver makes a deal on his cell phone. I see a desperately drunk man on his hands and knees on the road and people turn or just stare as a cab ploughs into him. I see two men in the FCP ( First Canadian Place) elevator, well-dressed, talking about "letting the 'nips' carry" their luggage in Japan. I see the carved ivory tusks prominently displayed in the corporate office. I see bicycle couriers obeying the rules of the road (many times). I see cars and trucks breaking the rules of the road (many times). I see mothers pushing their babies in their buggies, out into traffic from between parked cars without looking. I see cars making left turns from the right lane. I see Bay Street as the Autobahn. I see the driver and he sees me and he accelerates to make that left turn because he weighs two tons and I weigh 200 pounds (with my bike) and he knows it. I see brown snow in the winter and browner air in the summer. I see more and more people riding their bikes downtown and that's a good thing to see. I also see a municipal election looming.
See?
Letter to the editor, Toronto Star, 1991, from William Long:
Re: the licensing of bicycle couriers by the Metro Licensing Commission: I have been a cycle courier since the fall of 1988. During this time my average annual income has been around $15,000. Not a great deal of money considering the expense of living in Toronto, but since I am not deeply concerned about being a "mass consumer" of expensive goods, I manage to make ends meet. There are lots of daily nuisances which make the job difficult but every job has its frustrations.
Most of my relatives and long-time friends treat my vocation as a phase I'm going through, but I enjoy the work enough to continue as long as possible. There are two reasons why I may not be able to keep working as a courier. The first is economic. I currently spend more than 60 percent of my income on food and housing. The remainder must cover clothing and equipment for work, repairs and maintenance and all the miscellaneous expenses of life in the big city. The cost of doing business is firmly attached to the inflationary spiral and is thus out of my control. Since I work on a commission basis, my income is dependant on the cost and number of deliveries available, and I have no control over that. As expenses rise and income falls, there will come a time when I can't continue. A license costing $93 will only increase the financial pressures and will provide little benefit for me or the public at large.
The other reason I may not be able to ride for a living is the possibilty of injury. The city streets are becoming more crowded and the people using the streets are more impatient and less careful. I consider myself to be a competent cyclist with more than 5,000 hours of experience operating a bicycle in heavy traffic - more than some vehicle operators log in a lifetime. Even using extreme caution and common sense, I still have numerous, heart-stopping, close calls every day that could result in injury, permanent disabilty or death, for which I have no protection. Something as simple as an improper lane change by another vehicle (vehicle here could mean car, bike, bus, or truck) could cause an accident that could sideline me for days or weeks with no income. The one serious accident I had resulted in a minor headache and $300 damage to my bike. One week's pay gone because someone decidied they had the right to pass in a lane narrowed by construction.
To summarize, I am one of the lucky few who have found a career that I love, which harms no one and which supports me. I only hope that someone can address the real problems facing our city, overcrowding and economic instability, so that I can continue my chosen occupation.
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at messvilleto@yahoo.com