The crazy New York City bike messengers
If you saw the movie, Premium Rush, you probably figured those crazy New York bike messengers must be tamer in real life than they were portrayed in the movie. You’d be wrong. Premium Rush (and Quicksilver, another movie with a bike messenger theme) actually offer a very close portrayal of a professional bike messenger. Bike messengers are paid on commission, based on how many messages they deliver. Financially, it’s in their best interest to go fast – very fast. Safety wise – well… not so much. A recent study found their on-the-job injury rates that required time off from work were 1,300% higher than the national average (and three times higher than dangerous meat-packing industry). Bicycle messengers are most often found in the central business districts