Boston Globe, January 30, 1989

EDITORIAL PAGE
 

The bicycle-courier business in Boston may not be freewheeling for long. If proposed city ordinances are passed, many messengers may find themselves back to the basics -- delivering on foot.

Prompted by complaints from downtown workers and residents, mainly the elderly, city councilors have proposed two ordinances in an effort to cut down on the number of problems between pedestrians and bicycle couriers.

Although concern for pedestrian safety is an important issue, the steps before the City Council would not only punish careful couriers and limit their business; they also would not get to the root of the problem -- lack of proper training and education.

One ordinance would prohibit bicyclists, skateboarders and roller skaters from Downtown Crossing. Skateboarding and roller-skating are forms of recreation, but biking is a means of living for many persons, including college students. Limiting their area of business could also limit their paychecks.

A second proposed ordinance would force messengers to obtain licenses for their bikes as well as themselves. Unless all couriers are forced to get licensed, this measure would discriminate against those couriers who prefer biking to walking -- an alternative form of messenger service that is time- consuming and less profitable.

Another provision of this proposal -- to set fines ranging from $20 to $100 for reckless operation of bikes or for failure to comply with the ordinance -- makes more sense. Just as careless car drivers are fined for speeding or foolish driving, so too should careless bike drivers be punished.

Nevertheless, the key to solving the cyclist-pedestrian dispute is better training. Courier companies should train employees on proper bicycle operation and maintenance, on traffic laws, on the mores of Boston drivers and pedestrians, and on work hazards that may be encountered. Employers also should provide protective equipment, such as padding and helmets.

Bike messengers have been an important part of Boston since the late 1800s. To restrict and limit their business is not the answer. Safety education is. Taking a step forward, not backward, would solve the problem.