Cycling for Profit Book

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Description

Although bicycles have been used commercially for more than one hundred years, their commercial use has been in general decline since the arrival of the automobile in the 1920s. Yet in the past decade, as traffic problems have increased and concern about the quality of life and preserving the environment has grown, commercial cycling has undergone something of a renaissance. With little capital but lots of enthusiasm, dozens of individuals have started small companies and cooperatives to deliver goods, provide services, and transport people by bicycle.

Unfortunately, the failure rate of these businesses has been high. In the pedicab industry, for example, pedicab owner John Snyder estimates the failure rate may be as high as 75%, based on a survey he conducted with Carl Eitner in early 1998. An important factor, I believe, has been inadequate information on operating a commercial cycling business. When I started our company six years ago, I found a paucity of information on this subject. Without any information to act as a guide, I purchased the wrong equipment, took on unprofitable business, undercharged customers, and mismanaged operations. I wrote this book to help prevent others from making the same mistakes.

- from the preface of Cycling for Profit

Ever wished you could ride a bike for a living? Cycling for Profit: How to Make a Living With Your Bike describes how to do just that. The book describes over a dozen ways you can earn money either as a part- or full-time job. You learn what cycling jobs are appropriate for you based on where you live and what time commitments (school, work, etc.) you may have. After reading this book, you'll know how to find work, get customers, and choose equipment. Details like purchasing insurance, and the benefits and pitfalls of having employees are also covered.

The author, Bikes At Work co-owner Jim Gregory, has been making a living for over nine years riding a bike , carrying everything from pizza to people to make money.

Commercial cycling is by far the best job I have ever had. I get plenty of exercise, work outside in the fresh air every day, and above all, feel like I am making a positive impact on our community and the environment. If you should decide to become a commercial cyclist, too, I hope you find this book helpful.
-Jim Gregory

Table of Contents

1. Working as a Commercial Cyclist
2. Getting Started
3. Equipment
4. Communication Equipment
5. Insurance and Bonding
6. Marketing
7. Seven Tips to Keep your Business in the Black
8. Hiring and Managing Employees
9. I. Jobs Requiring a Bicycle Only
   • Pizza Delivery
   • Airline Ticket Delivery
   • Document/Small Package Delivery
   • Pharmaceutical delivery
10. II. Jobs Requiring a Work Bike or Trailer
    • Grocery Delivery
    • Newspaper Distribution
    • Commercial Cargo Delivery
    • Mail Delivery
    • Odd Hauling Jobs
    • Bicycle Transport
    • Beverage Can Collecting
    • Mobile Services
    • Mobile Bicycle Repair
    • Ice Cream Vending
    • Pedicabbing

About the Book

• Title: Cycling for Profit: How to Make a Living With Your Bike
• Author: Jim Gregory
• ISBN #: 1892495120
• Size: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 trade paperback, 144 pages
• weight: .5 lbs (227g)