== Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==

In Review: UPS Bike Helper Program

Background:

In October 2006, the BWA-NH was contacted by the UPS terminal manager in Dover NH who was seeking bicyclists to help deliver packages during the November pre-Christmas rush. An email was sent to the GSW and BWA listserves with positive results. Not only did the Dover UPS office recruit several bicyclists, but the Manchester office hired Lisa Laskey to cover an area in Concord. Here is her review of this one-month experience working for UPS, an excellent example of true "utilitarian" cycling.

Dave,

I wanted to contact you and let you know that I have just finished a month of working for UPS from a saddle.

You might or might not remember me, I attended a meeting back in August; the nutrition meeting. I was new to riding and knew very little (still can't change a tire). I was riding a Diamondback hybrid at the time and we talked a bit on the phone.

Anyway, when I got the UPS email, I called them. It was an experience that changed my life. Honestly, when the weather began to drop in late Sept-Oct I stopped riding outside. I bought a Blackburn and was planning on riding all winter on that.

I interviewed with UPS and was hired. The bike was too big (I'm 5' 2"), the riding hard with a 100 pound+ load on the back, but I did it. When I turned in my uniform, I found out I more than doubled any other bike route in NH for stops and packages delivered. My stopping, handling, and confidence improved 100% and I will never look at cold weather riding the same way again.

I bought a Bianchi with the money I earned (I believe in irony) and I have not put my bike on the trainer more than twice. Today, I soared and loved every minute of it but it was rather warm with the winter gear on. Yes, I am a realist and a native New Englander and I know the snow will not stay at bay forever, but I also have learned 35 - 40 degrees is fine riding weather. Priceless…

I bought my first bike on July 20th, 2006; a day that changed my life forever. I remember then riding two miles and thinking I was going to drop. Now, my 2007 goal is to ride the Seacoast Century before I am 40. Since I turn 40 in October, I am focusing on that goal now. Hints and suggestions are always welcome.

Thank you for all of your hard work in being a voice for NH cycling.

Respectfully,
Lisa Laskey
Concord, NH

A few statistics:

1. Very first bike ride since childhood was on July 2, 2006, a whole two miles.

2. UPS route covered a four-square-mile area.

3. Pulled the 100-pound trailer about 16 miles a day with about 90 deliveries.

4. Most deliveries were in residential areas. Customers were very supportive.

5. Great exercise - lost 45 pounds since July.

6. Would do it again, only with a smaller framed bicycle

The UPS Manager of the Dover facility provided many details via email and a follow-up phone call. Please contact the UPS Human Resources office in Dover at 603.749.1442 for more information. Email inquiries and comments may be sent to info@bwanh.org.

Here are some highlights of the plan.

1. The Dover UPS facility will have 17 bike routes covering areas of the seacoast north to Pittsfield.

2. Each area will cover one to two square miles. Total mileage per day is expected to be less than 20 miles over fairly level terrain. Deliveries will be in the range of 50-100 stops/day.

3. UPS will supply a new mountain bike (most with disc brakes) and a covered cargo trailer. A UPS uniform and bike helmet will also be supplied.

4. The UPS cyclist will pick up residential packages from a local specified "drop stop" then make the deliveries on a section of the assigned route. Throughout the day the UPS cyclist will return to the drop stop to pickup additional packages until the deliveries are completed.

5. All work will be done in daylight starting between 8:30 and 10:30 AM, ending at 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

6. A two-day orientation will be provided to learn UPS delivery methods and the electronic clipboard known as the "DIAD". A supervisor will then spend 1-2 days riding with the trainee to finalize their training.

7. After the initial training period, the UPS cyclists will work independently. Biking or driving to the "drop stop" will start the work day. The bike and trailer will remain at this location when not in use or could be driven home if secure storage is available.

8. In case of poor cycling conditions like snow, ice, etc., the cyclist will work on car with a driver or supervisor.

9. Any experienced cyclist 18 and older is welcome to apply. The hourly rate is $9.50 with a $100.00 per month bonus available for reliability.

10. While the above information was provided by the Dover UPS office, all other NH facilities including Nashua are seeking to roll-out a fleet of "bike helpers" for this holiday season.

Bottom line; if you are interested please call UPS at 603.749.1442. If you think this plan is a joke, don't be surprised if a UPS cyclist delivers a Christmas present to your door!

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