Interview with Aloha Bicycle Courier

As part of our ongoing project to profile bicycle businesses in San Diego, this week we have an interview with Kenton of Aloha Bicycle Courier, San Diego’s only dedicated bicycle courier service*.

BikeSD: According to your website, you’ve been around since 2000. What made you want to start a bicycle courier business in San Diego?

Aloha: I was in Indianapolis working as a graphic designer in corporate communication. I was offered the opportunity to buy the design firm I worked at as the owner was looking to retire. I was 30 at the time, and it just didn’t feel right.  I wanted to live somewhere it didn’t snow, I wanted to do something involving bicycles and I wanted to start my own business from scratch.  So I did all three.

BikeSD: What logistical challenges have you faced as delivery riders in San Diego?

Aloha: The biggest challenge, which I have given up on, was trying to convince clients that making deliveries by bike outside of the immediate downtown area was economical and still able to be done in a timely manner. I stopped trying to convince people I can ride two miles to make a delivery in Hillcrest (it takes all of 8 minutes by bike). Anyway, I gave up. I still go to Hillcrest and Old Town, but not as often as I could.

BikeSD: What sorts of businesses utilize your services?

Aloha: Smart ones. The building industry, architects, engineers, etc.

BikeSD: How do customers, or potential customers, react to the idea of using a bicycle courier?

Aloha: They think it’s novel and by using us for one delivery every 10 years they think they are saving the planet or something. I think they get a bigger kick out of the idea of using a bicycle messenger, as opposed to ACTUALLY using a bicycle messenger. I have at least a dozen “clients” I’ve never done a delivery for. They always tell me they use us for deliveries, but the reality is we deliver TO them for our clients.

BikeSD: Are your riders ever hassled by drivers? How do they diffuse potentially volatile situations?

Aloha: If you call being called an asshole, or “hey you are going to get f@ck4i$g killed, asshole” as hassle, then, ah, yes. I try to just ignore it. Car big, me small.

BikeSD: What is the most unusual or challenging delivery you have made?

Aloha: A breast pump.

Aloha maintains a very comprehensive website, with detailed information about the services they provide. You can also contact Aloha at info[at]alohabicyclecourier[dot]com.

*Other companies do use bicycles for courier services, and there’s Manivela Food Delivery, of course.