Bicycle Courier in London: The Right Job for You?

Over 2000 Welsh students head to study in London each year – and plan to work to support their studies.  While London is a great city to live in, it can also be a challenging place to find the perfect job. If you are looking for a job that will keep you active and on your toes, becoming a bicycle courier could be a great option.

In this guide, we’re going to help you consider all of the requirements for this role to help you decide if it’s the perfect job for you.

Is Cycling in London Safe?

The first thing you need to consider is whether cycling in London is safe. Personal injury specialists Claims Action highlight the vulnerability of cyclists compared to other road users, so there are risks involved. But, at the end of the day, the answer to this question largely depends on your own personal experiences and how comfortable you feel cycling in busy streets.

There are plenty of bike lanes in London, and the city is gradually becoming more cycle-friendly. Cycling with other cyclists combined with excellent observational skills and keen focus on the road can help you stay safe while riding in the capital.

What’s Involved in Being a Bicycle Courier?

As a bicycle courier, you will be responsible for delivering documents and packages around the city. This can be a fast-paced and demanding job, but it is also an enjoyable one. In order to be successful in this role, you will need to be able to ride a bike confidently and have excellent map reading skills.

What Are the Hours Like?

The hours as a bicycle courier can vary depending on your client’s needs. If you’re delivering documents, then most couriers work during the day, between 9 am and 5 pm.

If you’re looking for work at weekends or evenings, then you might be able to get work delivering food orders for the various online companies or a local restaurant.

Is It a Good Job for Students?

This is a particularly popular job for students who want to make some extra money as bicycle couriers can often find work on a part-time basis or temporary roles during busy times of the year.

The great thing about this job is that you can work as much or as little as you want. You can also choose the areas of London that you want to work in, so you can really make the most of your time in this fantastic city.

Skills and Experience Needed

Of course, there are some things that you will need to consider before becoming a bicycle courier. Firstly, you need to be fit and have good stamina, as cycling around London can be pretty demanding. You will also need to be competent at riding a bike in heavy traffic.

Local knowledge or map reading skills are essential, although if you have a smartphone and internet access, then you can be guided directly to the delivery address.

A strong sense of responsibility is also required. There will be people waiting for the delivery of what be highly time-sensitive documents.

And as this is the UK, there is no guarantee of good weather any day of the year! So be prepared to get wet and deal with strong winds and icy conditions.

Kit Needed

In order to be a successful bicycle courier, you will need some essential kit. This includes a good quality bike, a helmet, hi-visibility clothing, and sturdy panniers to carry your cargo.

Best Bike for Courier Work

If you are thinking of becoming a bicycle courier, then it is essential to choose a bike that is suited for the job. A good-quality hybrid or mountain bike will be perfect for this role. That’s because they are both sturdy and reliable and can handle riding in busy streets and cycling on uneven surfaces.

In terms of gears, we’d recommend a bike with at least 18 gears as this will give you plenty of flexibility when cycling around the city.

What’s the Pay Like?

The pay for bicycle couriers can vary depending on the company you work for and the type of work you do. However, most couriers earn between £8 and £12 per hour, with Glassdoor suggesting an annual salary of around £20,000.

This is a relatively good wage, especially when you consider that no qualifications are needed to do this job.

Our Final Thoughts

If you are interested in becoming a bicycle courier in London, then we hope that this guide has helped you make up your mind. Cycling in the city can be a great way to keep fit and see some of the most famous sights in the world. So, if you’re looking for an exciting and challenging job, this could be the perfect option for you!