Motorcycle courier

[citation needed] At the end of the First World War in 1918, many British Army Royal Corps of Signals motorcycle despatch riders were demobilised and found employment difficult to come by.

Following World War II, increasing urban congestion in London saw riders on small motorcycles making scheduled runs with artwork or copy between printers and advertising agencies or newspapers.

However, in the congested cities and capitals of many developing countries, motorcycle couriers are as popular as ever for urban deliveries.

Earnings depend on the volume of work and the size of the fleet, and up to a point the speed and street knowledge of the rider.

Most motorcycle couriers on the open circuit use machines no bigger than 600 cc, which are light and economical in town but adequate enough for occasional long-distance work.