Once upon a time, bike messengers used to be the in-thing. You couldn’t move for a guy or girl in shorts delivering a note via a bicycle. In fact, they are that engrained in the industry, lots of companies still use them to this day. They are seen as a fast, cheap and efficient way to communicate.
However, they aren’t as cute and nimble as they may appear. In the modern world, bike messengers are starting to become more of a liability than an asset. If your business continues to use them, then it may backfire.
Here are the reasons why.
Marketing Opportunities
In a sentence, there aren’t any. Bike frames are small and sleek and they are hard to see with the naked eye from afar. Plus, messengers whiz past at 100mph in a blur of metal and color. They are noticeable, but only for a couple of seconds. Cars are different. A company vehicle is an excellent marketing opportunity because it is big and grabs the eye on people on the street. In an industry where raising awareness of the brand is vital, employing bike messengers may put you at a disadvantage. It clearly isn’t as effective as a fleet of vehicles.
Bad PR
If a passerby happens to spot a kitted out bike messenger, they think one thing: do they still exist? Messengers are a remnant of a bygone era. They’re archaic and outdated, especially in an age defined by technology. So, the only effect it will have on the brand is a negative one. The audience will see it and assume the company is old and obsolete too because this is how impressions work. Without any info, people make judgments which impact their perception of a company. Using bikes instead of scooters and motorbikes like the cool brands is a sign of your old-fashioned methods.
Overpopulation
The world is a small place where motorists and cyclist get along in perfect harmony… burn! Riders hate drivers and drivers hate riders, and for a good reason. Currently, cycle traffic has increased by over 300% in some cities in the past twenty years. As a result, there are thousands of accidents each year. RizkLaw.com/portland-bicycle-accident-lawyer/ has more on the rise of pedal bikes. The pertinent thing to remember is that you may put employees in danger. From a legal standpoint, this can cost the business a fortune if you are liable as well as the driver of the car. Overpopulation makes it a risky venture.
Ease Of Access
In the past, bicycles were the fastest way to deliver messages in busy towns and cities. These days, scooters are as quick as they are high-powered and can swerve in and out of traffic. Plus, there are bike lanes which they can use just like a bicycle. Of course, there’s no need to leave the office to send a message any longer. Thanks to instant messaging services at whatsapp.com/ and Skype.com/, you can communicate in a matter of seconds.
Is there a bike messenger who is that speedy?