A day to appreciate bicycle messengers

Sharky-8

After a long and illustrious career, Eric “Sharky” Young hung up his messenger bag this year. He was a credit to his profession (and, given the speed and skill with which he operated his bicycle, he was not easy to photograph.)
(Photos by J. Maus/BikePortland)

If you see a bike messenger in your office or in your lane today, give ’em a nod or say “thanks.”

You should probably always do this, given the importance and symbolism of their chosen profession; but today is special because it’s 10-9 Day, a.k.a. Messenger Appreciation Day.

Bicycle messengers are still going strong in Portland.

Dee Robert and Joel from Magpie Messenger Collective

Dee Branham, Robert Burchett, and Joel Metz of Magpie Messenger Collective.

You might have met the wonderful Meghan Mack via her profile in the Willamette Week back in June, or you might have come to recognize one of the familiar faces of one of her colleagues at Magpie Messenger Collective. After all, they’ve been in business for 14 years.

In an industry that has seen so much change over the years, I find it somewhat reassuring to know that there are still people plying the courier trade using bicycles everyday.

Thanks messengers!

[Note: If you’d like to guarantee a messenger sighting in downtown Portland, so you can deliver a smile or, perhaps, a token of appreciation, I’d try the Chrome store on SW 10th or the Stumptown on 3rd.]

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Dave
Dave
9 years ago

What with computer hacking and other signs that there is no electronic privacy, the trade of carrying messages written on paper may get a serious second wind. Don’t think of messengers or letter carriers as obsolete, please!

Twilliam
Twilliam
9 years ago

This story… reads funny. Or something.

Devin Quince
Devin Quince
9 years ago

Never had this 20 years ago when I was a messenger in CHI and MPLS.

AndyJ
AndyJ
9 years ago

Twenty years ago i worked in big pink and these folks reliably shuttled my drawings back and forth in really crappy weather and i did not pay mutch attention. Now through the mountain bike community i have become good friends with one, from my generation, who likely delivered to my office. Now we ride together in really crappy weather. So treat your messengers well because they can tell a tall story and you may be in one.