In this case study, Julija talks about what it is really like to work as a cycle courier with CitySprint. Julija has been working as a CitySprint courier for 18 months. Originally from Latvia, she has lived and worked in the UK for the last 10 years. She is trained to become a journalist, and wrote a blog about urban cycling while studying for BA and MSc degree qualifications.
On the surface, a courier’s job appears to be simple: just delivering packages from A to B. But there are many things that can go wrong – from an incorrect address on a package, to people refusing to sign upon receipt – which is why the relationship with the CitySprint office team is so important: they are your back-up in any situation. Above all, you need to be able to take initiative and use your common sense.
The brilliant team at CitySprint is one of the main reasons I enjoy the work I do so much. We riders have a great rapport with them, and the banter on the radio often makes me smile. For example, all the riders have nicknames, which feels much more human than being referred to by a number – I don’t know of any other companies that do this and it’s really uplifting.
My local service centre is also great fun and everyone is helpful and friendly; if I’m in the area I will often pop in to say hi and grab a cappuccino for a quick energy boost. We may work alone but there’s a huge sense of community.
All CitySprint couriers have to pass a knowledge test that ensures they understand what it’s like to cycle around London and will be safe on the roads. It’s comforting to know that CitySprint also invests in educating its van couriers about being aware of vulnerable road users.
Working as a courier can bring you a wonderful sense of freedom, combined with the satisfaction of physical exertion. This feeling is particularly powerful when my route has a large number of pick-ups and drop-offs; I really feel like I’m flying with a sense of purpose. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to gain access to some incredible places: I’ve even been inside 10 Downing Street. Moments like these help me to motivate myself when it’s cold and rainy.
There are other positive parts of my job that I take encouragement from if I ever struggle to get up in the morning. First, there’s the knowledge that I’m not slaving away at a desk job and I’m free from many aspects of ‘conventional’ work – people even take years off working as a courier in the knowledge that they can start earning again immediately. I’m also inspired by doing work that’s having a positive impact on the world around me, and I feel that more companies should be insisting on using push-bike couriers as part of their commitment to the environment.
I feel that as a courier I also have a huge opportunity to make a difference to businesses; so many companies – law firms, banks and fashion brands included – wouldn’t be able to operate as effectively without us moving their vital documents. Sometimes I can make a huge difference to someone’s life – for example, during my first week at CitySprint I delivered a key to a girl who was locked in her house!
All CitySprint couriers have to pass a knowledge test that ensures they understand what it’s like to cycle around London and will be safe on the roads. It’s comforting to know that CitySprint also invests in educating its van couriers about being aware of vulnerable road users.
There are many things cyclists can do themselves to improve safety. Wearing high-vis clothing is vital, so is avoiding wearing headphones – so that you can hear what’s happening on the road. Most important is watching the road and understanding how the traffic is behaving; a car may not always see you, but if you can anticipate its movement you’ll be safer.
The ultimate skill is becoming a ripple-less rider; becoming one with the traffic, not inhibiting anyone’s progress or forcing anyone to slow down or stop for you, and gliding along. It’s the best feeling.