Bike Messenger Austin Horse - Streets & Avenues - Ep 2

Austin Horse travels the streets as one of the premier bicycle messengers of New York City, a logistical institution only possible in the tight street grids of Manhattan.
► Watch all episodes from Streets & Avenues: • Streets & Avenues
►Watch the Documentary about Bicycle Messengers on Red Bull TV: www.redbull.co...
This urban environment full of pedestrians, cars and everyday traffic is an algorithm that Austin has perfected over the years. Austin Horse is a bike messenger 7 racer who started his career as a messenger in New York City back in 2005.
Bicycle messengers are people who work for companies carrying and delivering items by bicycle. Since bicycle travel is less subject to unexpected holdups in city traffic jams, and is not deterred by parking limitations, fees or fines in high density development that can hinder or prevent delivery by motor vehicle, it a method that offers a predictable delivery time.
From BMX riders and skaters to graffiti artists and club promoters, Streets & Avenues takes you behind the curtain of The Empire State through seven mini documentaries. Streets & Avenues is an original series following the glamour and grittiness that is New York City.
#redbull #bicyclemessengers #AustinHorse
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[@SmoothJohnson]

as a city bus driver (with a background in firefighting, nursing, truck and taxi driving) and a longtime bike commuter, I deeply appreciate the skill set on display here. Using a soft visual focus over a wide field to calculate anticipated flow movements in heavy urban traffic is a phenomenal skill set...combine that with expert local navigational knowledge and tremendous fitness and riding skill and you have something very special on display. Awesome to see it recognized for what it is.

[@KappaPappaInSync]

okay......................

[@HeyJoeHUN81-PCRPGCommunity]

Also we seen big luck here, so he wasn't hit by a car door, didn't hit a walker (03:29) or who just left his parked car (03:30) & so on. Nobody tell me he can see what can the future will bring it to him. He can't be sure about these walkers for example not changing their direction of their movement suddenly just exactly in the same time when he arrive behind them on his bike... For example the walker accidentally dropped sg & just turn back for that or forget sg in the parked car & turn back for that... This guy is good yeah, but also lucky if not injured seriously until now. But at least he is wear helmet & having some break on his bike but I'm still don't think his riding style is really cool, especially in a busy city such as NY.

[@livingthroughtv]

Well, technically [if he were a real person], he wouldn't be an employee of the messenger service anyway. The job [courier] attracts people of different, sometimes difficult, backgrounds because of less than usual schedule, pay and employment terms. As it happens, I suggest that you yourself are probably Kinto, if anyone.

[@thermodynamics1110]

LOL, "phenomenal skills" haHaa

[@shapitFS]

G

[@aldrinclementina4297]

I'm a rider. former competitor. I'm not a messenger but I love watching these type of videos. I drive everyday to work or to courses I have to attend. But because of you.. guys like this one, made me build a single speed commuter from what I had sitting in the storage room. For just use to ride in between short distances and little by little to expand the km's to longer ones. It brings me back to my younger years. besides it's more healthier to ride a bike than sitting in a car. Thnkx for giving me that push and encouragement again. Blessings

[@jokerseriously514]

I really miss the rush of this job! Winter or summer, I was in great shape and enjoyed life. I couriered in Edmonton for 5 years and was in the national championships and the worlds! Had an absolute blast being in traffic and surfing the flow...truly a unique experience!!

[@brunomoreira5014]

I worked for around a year in my city in Brazil. It's a nice thing to do. You can keep fit and healthy and free, but honestly, the money you make dont pay off. Sometimes the costs you have with your bike is higher than what you earn in one week. The mininmum per delivery is 6,00 reais which converted into dollars is 1,41 USD. It's been hard to be a young brazilian without even a bit of family's support.

[@proudtobeautistic]

Just curious what made you decide to give it up?

[@IdeaBoxful]

Watching this in pandemic times, more biking is better. Better health and beat the lockdown blues at the same time!

[@barrie0211]

Did this in 85 to 1990. In Edmonton Alberta with snow and cold for four months.Quick Silver.Still crushing it.

[@xXhunter47Xx]

Hey that's the stunt double for Gordon-Levitt in Premium Rush.

[@dervonnebenan8232]

xXhunter47Xx you dont say

[@dervonnebenan8232]

+Predator what ?

[@MushroomPredator]

Der Von Nebenan ich dachte mir, ich begrüße einen deutschen landsmann auch mit einem deutschen gruß!

[@MushroomPredator]

sorry

[@dervonnebenan8232]

***** mach das nicht...Das wirft wieder nur ein schlechtes Licht auf uns deutsche 😫

[@JBF086]

Is really impresive what this guys do and is a job that atracts me so much but not many people is capable of doing it.

[@abdullahsawai505]

I've been a truck driver for 8 years, it's been my bread and butter. one thing I always told myself is that I would buy a bike to ride while out in different places like Vagas, Cali, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, wherever a good ride could be experienced. I never bought a bike though because my uncle who's a big rider told me I needed some expensive ass bike like his in order to really enjoy the ride. I said fuck that, his bike is like 4k or some shit. Anyway, due to some straight up b.s. I can drive any longer. I bought a $220.00 schwinn from Academy that I absolutely love It. it seems like the perfect beginner bike. I now think that I'll ride as long as my limbs allow.

[@Kleyguy7]

Those guys who think you need expensive bike to enjoy the ride are the worst. See the messenger in this video - steel frame, aluminium rims, thin wheels. Thats all you need. I think carbon bike takes the fun away because you are too afraid to break it.

[@elipedraza1222]

hell yeah! ride on

[@johnsc14]

I ride a 1972 Schwinn super sport that I fixed up.... I love it.

[@abdullahsawai505]

About a year and a half back I grabbed a Diamond Back that retails a little over $1000 but even that I had built from the frame at my local bike shop, I paid around $3-400 for it and I use it everyday especially since I moved from Texas to Philly it’s a bike city.

[@FUYouTubeCensors]

Lol you got a DUI

[@Quill13]

I love how Redbull reviews and Documents every sports😋

[@Memo12Delarge]

Finally a responsable fixie guy with at least a front brake! Nice! Isn't that saddle to low?

[@l1amreece619]

That takes the thrill away

[@callumjefferies6085]

No, it's no too low, This guy is on a bike more than anyone His fit would be perfect

[@Kiddowesth]

For this type of riding you have a bit more control with this setup. More quad dominant as well.

[@callumjefferies6085]

@@Kiddowesth not true, Bike fit shouldn't change regardless of the style. With obviously exceptions such as TT,MTB and road

[@Kiddowesth]

@@callumjefferies6085 When forced to press both ways, it does help.

[@LaCourierInCrysis]

Love this I'm addicted haven't had a day off in 7 months. I need to learn to take a vacation without working

[@SebSar-ef4zj]

From what I see you seem to ride skillfully and care for pedestrians , so it's thumbs up from me.

[@Carlos-dq8wo]

Inspiration to start this beautiful work... I watch this video often and who better than Austin, a great cyclist but a better person.

[@johnorellana9864]

My salute to all Mike messengers for a job well done. 😊

[@randomizationme]

I wish bike messengers exist everywhere

[@aidanshmaden69]

they do

[@randomizationme]

I mean not only in new york but in other states as well :) Aidan niplome

[@randomizationme]

That is so cool! :D I could totally get that as a side job:)

[@bbglas007]

randomizationme everyone wants to be one, noone wants to pay one

[@literallyanythingelseother]

I would love to do it but I'm a engineering family and being a bike messenger doesn't pay shit haha

[@johnnytheratface]

I’ve been trying to explain how much fun riding my bike in city is and this is exactly why

[@steve00alt70]

do you use google maps on your phone to navigate thru your city on your bike?

[@timelessadventurer]

Everyone in this mini doc spoke so eloquently! Great job!

[@selfactualizer2099]

this is something ive always naturally loved doing regardless of where i am in life since i was little, skateboards, bikes, rollerblades, free skates, Doing things like trail riding, downhilling, city riding, challenging myself, giggling when i have near accidents or getting away with something risky I wish i was born sooner, here in atlanta courier services are about dead. he's right about the flow of traffic, you can learn to anticipate what drivers will do, though youll still have accidents as you progress. safety is first priority, even when we know what we do is dangerous. but sports will always remain as part of human needs. trees cant grow without the wind to build them strong

[@temobarata6741]

I am a messenger in Wien(Austria) so here is heaven for bikers

[@phlufff_fxd]

Beautiful to see it from your perspective

[@sleepyzebra11]

Super cool to hear his bike return story, hes always posting on ig about stolen bikes to lookout for

[@Londoncab]

Fascinating. great skill and finesse

[@Squadron007]

"Single speed is all I need"

+Julien Cheung Actually, it is a fixie.

[@Squadron007]

+Carlos Calla Alarcón I Didn't ask anything

[@onespeedbicycles]

Cote DeP0rc one speed single speed they are all one speed hehehehe.

[@SiklistaRepublika1987]

i know fixie is a single speed, but what is the difference between fixie and bmx?

[@sq3527]

@@SiklistaRepublika1987, the difference is that bmx is for kids that like jumping.

[@adamblair9342]

Awesome. I hope to become a bike messenger someday. Sounds like the best job someone can get.

[@collinblair2815]

Shame it's a high stakes-low pay type of job.

[@nellynelson965]

Collin Blair your not wrong, working at McDonalds pay's better and thats saying something

[@kevinmaldonado77]

:o

[@kevinmaldonado77]

Collin Blair :O

[@WorldStarUK3]

***** Lies

[@MrPijus123]

Been riding in urban areas since I was a little kid. Neber realized that being able to read a city's movements is a celebrated skill.

[@copali]

Austin Horse with Alfred Bobè Jr and Chrys Thormann is my favorite

[@kyrielucero3845]

Great fun job ! There pay is trash though you really need the phrase "time is money" in this job !

[@occidentalexplorer1125]

Not necessarily true! I work for a bike messenger company here in San Francisco and I get paid between $200 and $400 a day at $3 per delivery up to 140 deliveries on average per day and ride about 60 miles a day. There are only about 6 bikers at the company I work for. There are about 100 bike messengers give or take in SF not including the food delivery Uber eats crowd. The 94 or so bike messengers who do not work at my company are hurting on money!

[@RustedBeef]

​@@occidentalexplorer1125No way.... That's a huge amount of money

[@albin2232]

Very skilful and SAFE road users.

[@TenTegens]

cudowny filmik

[@QuinnHartmann]

basically a crown vic documentary

[@numbaoneg101]

😂😂 All the cabs right?

[@kalijasin]

Best job in world.

[@julianguerra6974]

what an awesome video! whoever edited this... great freaking job!!

[@julianb1550]

I thought this was how all people rode bikes, anticipation, and never give anyone the benefit of the doubt.

[@walexander1997]

Finally some fixed gear riding on RedBull!

[@danildanilov1118]

can you imagine you have cycle for money in New York for money? Awesome!!!

[@shreddersaurusrex323]

Yeah it’s fun but it doesn’t pay well and the weather can be brutal. There’s other annoying parts of the job too.

[@Pumpeduse]

Fantastic !!!!!!

[@redbull]

Many thanks!!

[@user-it8gk3ke7h]

seems like fun job, he should start a youtube video with his daily biking content.

[@philipparris4287]

The meaning of life!

[@siscoismyhomey]

Rosko makes some of the nicest frames, handmade for the win

[@georgegilles9008]

Sounds like a fun job.

[@orangutank626]

Did you do it?

[@_johnwayne_]

@Uldis Poriķis my first day was on a rainy winter day, it was definitely the ice breaker, but not all that bad if you have good clothing on you ;) Oh and a good bike as well

[@luckylifeonwheels626]

I completely agree with what you sade in the city a bicycle is the best way to get around.

[@LoneWolfRedd]

this is my 2nd week biking as a beginner my style has picked up quick idk maybe its my good eye but i can read cars movements learned how to skid and avoid collisions on my own kinda like surfing avoiding pot holes and bunny hopping over them i love riding my bike i come from the world of MIXED MARTIAL ARTS...

[@alexdamtberyoutube3591]

I think I found my dream job

[@ShermanSitter]

I've done the "surfing" move too...but i don't like to surf when I don't have to. :)

[@semmtexx]

I always wonder how these guys cope with riding hard in extreme heat. Must be tough. Walking into an office completely drenched in sweat.

[@RustedBeef]

Wool or some other moisture wicking fabric helps keep you from staying wet

[@jeffreysalvador7076]

Road my bmx bike across the Brooklyn bridge all the way up to central park and back again just cruising. Feels good riding the NYC streets especially time square.

[@CANControlGRAFFITI]

I ride around the city doing sketchy maneuvers all the time, REDBULL HOOK ME UP!

[@CONFUCIUS-f2x]

That's got to be at least a 500mm handlebar.

[@dagthewog6290]

Nice video. Actually peaceful and not hurting anyone. All the best to you.

[@stankyst4nk39]

Man... what type of bag does he have?? Thing's sick!

[@kenjillewellyn6745]

He's using a reload bag he got when he won the monster track

[@jayse4em]

I love riding my bike and doing the same as this guy.

[@kcdiazWTV]

I wish I can do this in California.

[@MrBraceyface]

The coolest job ever

[@the_feature_selector859]

I love how he said the cab made an illegal turn. Like he follows the rules if the road.

[@kyaneclarinal6697]

“ can’t stop , don’t want to either “

[@vince6518]

Dope 🔥🔥🔥

[@tamnado]

RIP young man

[@cendol987]

now this is some really safe and responsible bike messenger not like the overexaggerated depiction in premium rush. Yeah, riding brakeless is fun but to what extend?

[@trapitolhill2025]

wrong

[@edabad4324]

They are amazing

[@96shian]

ouuu its a job very exciting...for a HIPSTER

[@ARNOUX17]

easy work i'll do it while listening to my music

[@szilviabriceno8161]

One of the cooler jobs as a 9-5 i would do it for sure

[@newyardleysinclair9960]

Bike Messengers need an eye for anticipation of movement and/or openings in a similar way a a NFL running back does

[@Blueveteran342]

very nice episode

[@alfainc5868]

Can't tell anyone or hipsters how to live but there is no money in this. Facts

[@Alex-Defatte]

My only issue with something like this is the amount of exhaust you're going to be breathing in as you are inhaling the hardest you will all day and you're just breathing in all that carbon monoxide.

[@mohitgodwal9056]

Amazing

[@andriansyahaja5916]

you the rush man

[@joejoemaru]

Love this series

[@evilcat1662]

i love this job

[@山口貴広-d5o]

かっこいい！

[@ecoskate159]

ohhh how love you gangsta track

[@acyutanandadas1326]

Bike messengers who deliver vital documents should be bonded and protected.

[@BrianMcNay]

Do an episode of this during the winter. Wonder how much gets done?

[@boogieeweb3]

got through a storm yesterday ! brutal but rewarding once you get home

[@mjlife4602]

I want a job like that

[@ihope7085]

salut ...god bless

[@kojishibata2143]

Very Nice Video. I Like Austin.

[@nolanjohnson2009]

Nothing down riding down 5th avenue.

[@yantoblank5370]

Good👍

[@oncheurmasque]

I think it depends on the country, the city and even the company, but I can't tell you that in France it's pretty low (I have a friend that works as a bike messenger in Strasbourg), although the company pays for new spare parts for your bike so it's still pretty cool.

[@suicycleed4748]

Best courier NYC

[@jammingridena]

THE REAL PREMIUM RUSH MAN🚴🚴🚴😬

[@NickolasRed]

pretty nice video.definitely liked

[@officer088]

much love!

[@fujo_kim]

Cool

[@adiprasongko7701]

Hello Guyz, my name Adi Prasongko. Thx's *GOOD LUCK FOREVER*

[@Cheifnhookah]

pretty much like street racing.. lol 4:02

[@puteraizzadmohammadirwaz1959]

ride is my life

[@Soapboxview]

Nice.

[@yaoiyurifanbaka]

He probably has a brake for an insurance issue like the courier service I work for. You're not a messenger so you don't know what we go through. Do your thing Austin

[@cycling_walking]

Aku suka

[@keithwashco5891]

are you sponsored by RED BULL??????-super cool if so-cool anyway

[@Quill13]

8 years ago?... We already have internet back then right?

[@shreddersaurusrex323]

Yes but there are so many things that need to get delivered. Clothing, medication, food, legal documents, etc.

[@J9V2]

Wordsmith - As the Art Fades Away

[@Cosminnic]

Premium Rush :)

[@Dropthebeatonit]

this is coooool, altho isn't his bike seat too low?

[@pacovl46]

So what are you guys gonna do in winter? Put tires with spikes on your bikes?

[@jeppep95]

In sweden we have "dubb-tires" winter tires with small spikes

[@pacovl46]

jeppep95 that’s cool! Are they expensive?

[@jeppep95]

@@pacovl46 they start at about 50 dollars

[@numbaoneg101]

Some ppl have diff bikes for inclement weather. Ppl use 23 mm-28 mm tires and get by just fine even in the snow.

[@AlessandroCardano]

Respect. >One Love< -A

[@numbaoneg101]

that accident sounds crazy, I wonder how bad injuries were/how long it took to recover

[@myfrequencies1912]

Been watching a bunch of these videos now. I get the appeal of the fixie - simplicity, lightweight, low maintenance - But where are the brakes?! I've seen one or two riders scrub off speed by placing the sole of their shoe on the back tyre but I've also heard it suggested that it's pretty common in the US at least to have some sort of rear hub internal brake that activates when you back pedal. NONE of these guys seem to have conventional rim brakes or even a two speed drive train!

[@Pikminarecool]

My Frequencies recommended to have afront brake, the nature of a fixed gear is that the pedals are fixed to the rear wheel so to slow down you resist the pedal movement

[@numbaoneg101]

Some use a front brake, v brake or road caliper, I've even seen a disc brake on a fixed gear. Others ride brakeless but it's very risky.

[@tranzco1173]

I rode for Western Messenger in SF on a fixed gear with no brake in 1999-2000. You backpedal, you can even life the rear wheel a little off the ground almost immediately stop it. It's more responsive that most brakes. However, I was a much younger man then, and wouldn't even messenger now, much less on a fixed gear, because of the whole mortality thing.

[@myfrequencies1912]

@@tranzco1173 No brakes in SF with those steep hills?! You must've been crazy.... I've got 4 piston hydraulics on my MTB now. Minimum standard when it's loaded for camping.