TOKYO. Begun over 10 years ago, the business of bicycle couriers is booming in the great Japanese metropolis and in rapid expansion at planetary level.
About fifteen companies are involved in the home collection and delivery of correspondence in Tokyo using cycling postmen. The speedy postmen streak among the streets of the Japanese capital on racing bikes, wearing Campagnolo Sportswear jackets and gloves, goggles, professional helmets, shoulder transceivers and impermeable backpacks, guaranteeing collection in 10 minutes from the telephone callout and delivery within half an hour in an area twice as large as the centre of Rome.
Those who take up this job really love riding bicycles but about half of them give up after a week because of the unbearable rhythms. Those who stay for a few years manage to earn 2 to 3000 euros riding about 2000 km overall every month. The average age is 25 and males are in a clear majority: 80% choose it as their occupation while 20% are university students who pay for their education by riding.
The Tokyo windbreakers have chosen Campagnolo Cycling Apparel.