He's going to stay a week, in a squat. Not a best option for delivery. I do this if there is not another option. Shop is much more comfortable, isn'i it.
Im a student at Falmouth University, Cornwall. (Yes, i know a student! but i gotta start somewhere eh!?) I am a keen cyclist, be it Bmx, Mtb or Fixed, so I thought it apt to do my final year all about cycling. In my minor project i looked at cycling security in the city, and for my major i have started by looking at cycling bags. I am aiming my designs at cycle couriers, and then as a bi product it should create a better bag for all users. So I am here asking for your opinions, ideas, any problems you have with current products, and any great things about current products. Basically, i don't want to design a bag based on merely my own opinion, i would like to design one based on what all the users want.
This is what i am thinking so far:
1: Cycle Couriers will be in higher demand as the use of motor vehicles in cities are reduced
2: Therefore more people will be reliant on quick reliable delivery sources, i.e. cycle couriers
3: Current Courier bags seem to be mono straps - is it for ease of use when delivering letters?
4; There is a large number of accidents between motor vehicles and cyclists
5: There are a large number of bikes stolen in the city
6: Cycle Couriers mainly use Fixed gear bikes? is it because they are more reliable due to less equipment to go wrong?
7: Cycle couriers are style conscious, is this fixed gear styling important in the design of a courier bag?
ANy comments or advice would be greatly appreciated. Sketches and designs also would be great Also any courier bag manufacturers: If you have time to chat/meet to discuss my project that would be great.
1: Cycle Couriers will be in higher demand as the use of motor vehicles in cities are
I'd like to think so, but even a cargo bike would be hard pressed to move a weighty washing machine. As far as envelopes and the like go, bring it on - as long as I'm earning I'm happy, and of course the less cars in town the better for me and other cyclists.
2: Therefore more people will be reliant on quick reliable delivery sources, i.e. cycle couriers
Correct, most of my friends and colleages can be fast as f'#k when they care to.
3: Current Courier bags seem to be mono straps - is it for ease of use when delivering letters?
I've used both styles of bags based on the 'single strap' design. Double strap is way better for your shoulders and back. A lot of couriers favour the Ortleib rucksack style bags too. The single strap has a habit of slipping, especially when wearing a waterproof jacket that is of smooth material, and with a greater weight of items inside (ie lever arch files, small boxes / bags / laptops.)
4; There is a large number of accidents between motor vehicles and cyclists
Personally I've been hit by one car. He jumped a red light on Westminster Bridge going southbound, checking his sunvisor, with two kids in baby seats in the back. I fear for those children's future.
5: There are a large number of bikes stolen in the city
Yes, Camden and Islington are the worst reas in my experience of 12 years cycling in London (obviously not as a courier all that time).
6: Cycle Couriers mainly use Fixed gear bikes? is it because they are more reliable due to less equipment to go wrong?
Fast, reliable and strong. Less to go wrong was the idea before it became a fashion statement.
7: Cycle couriers are style conscious, is this fixed gear styling important in the design of a courier bag?
I've come from a skateboarding background, so yes, I'm fuckin stylish!!! Seriously it seems to be split between the odd fashion victim (£300 front Aerospoke that after its first kerb crash is rendered useless), cultural creators who push styles (from hip hop to indie, from punk to rave), and people for whom style is the last thing on their minds (company uniform is good enough, saves money on clothing etc etc).
As I said, short but sweet, hope it helps. Sadly, pioneering fixie fashion seems to be the way of the fakenger these days, just ride down Clerkenwell Rd around 5pm and see for yourself, or check the big Chill Bar in Brick Lane on a Sunday. . .lined up outside with thier £2000 fixies and all expensive 'vintage' shite.
Falfixies a majority of decent couriers in London use PAC Designs bag they cover most parametres, bit heavy though, worth checkin their site .Couriers use fixed so they can get smashed every night and not have to think about maintainace ,running costs are low and track angles are nifty through traffic..For double strap bags check Skin grows back.Hope that helps. Your degree sounds cool in Cornwall as well -lucky bugger