NYC Messenger Profile - Kurt Boone: Speed Walking NYC

For the past 20 years, 59-year-old foot courier Kurt Boone has been documenting New York City bike messenger culture, all while walking 7+ miles every day. His passion and excitement for the culture brings positivity to the messenger community in the face of the bleak economic realities of courier work. Premiered at the 2019 Bicycle Film Festival in New York City.

[@alfredlamowen]

So cool that NYC is such a dense and busy place that messengers form their own culture out of what they do. Respect to all of them

[@drippyd8131]

Well couriers have been here for millions of years . Of course they have their own society haha

[@Carltonwanks]

Alfred you're easily impressed, workmates have always socialized together, no matter the Job or location

[@lafondawilliams]

Yea its culture is also a 25 year paramedic being stabbed to death in broad day light right in front of the ems station and 4 people walk over her bleeding body and do nothing, all on youtube great city 🤣🤣🤣

[@thatdopekiddcasper]

This guy deserves way more recognition than he’s getting

[@johnd5619]

i mean, seems like hes getting quite a bit of recognition?

[@seth6457]

@@johnd5619 Ong 😭

[@artseosamhogriobhta]

Wow it's a black guy working in NYC. Amazing

[@johnnunn8688]

Why?

[@neo69121]

for what ?

[@ijasonxi1]

I was briefly a walker messenger for Amazon Prime Now when it first came out in NYC. Amazon did all their deliveries through third party messenger services at the time to cut labor costs. It was one of the toughest jobs I had ever done. 2 hour windows in a 10 hour shift to make multiple deliveries virtually anywhere in the city from the warehouse in Midtown. The pay was terrible and this was during the winter I learned first hand that you need to dress properly because of all the sweating because you're carrying multiple deliveries in a huge military style backpack. My first routes when the temperature dipped I made the mistake of wearing multiple layer of cotton shirts and sweaters that virtually did nothing to keep me warm. I thought I was gonna die from hypothermia. I had to go out and spend money to buy long johns and wool sweaters just to keep myself warm. I only did the gig for 2 months before quitting. Also my dispatcher for the messenger company stole my tips as well. Supreme Systems is the company name. They're still around. The white guy Sean who owns the company is a complete POS dirtbag who lives in one of those ivory towers in LIC. That experience was legit modern day slavery. Props to people like Boone who can work the hustle like this because messenger jobs are really not for everyone.

[@jonnygranville281]

Sounds like you couldn't handle it, because you are not strong and capable. Just another soft, weak complainer

[@ijasonxi1]

@@jonnygranville281 no shit genius. Hence why I ended my rant with it’s not for everyone

[@kingleo8048]

@@ijasonxi1 my friend earl works for supreme you probably knew him

[@ijasonxi1]

@@kingleo8048 Dont remember names because this was back in 2016 but yes probably. The messengers at Supreme were cool people.

[@raoulmoat6762]

Sean you little degenerate crony! Yo better watch your back!

[@Santiago-od5dx]

Kurt Boone is one of the coolest messengers around , hes a great poet and has tons of history books about messenger culture . he deserves way more recognition .

[@defaultworkouts]

cool and poor. sounds like the American dream

[@Carltonwanks]

How exactly is he Cool? He's not

[@blu-rae864]

@@Carltonwanks🤓

[@Carltonwanks]

@Brandon I have a great Job,I don't walk around all day like a donkey delivering Mail, But somehow I'm supposed to believe this is "wholesome"?

[@simeonpohl7407]

the need to shit on what other people love and do , doesn't exactly scream happiness in your own life to me... not to insult you, maybe to make you think about your viewpoint...

[@jcarby86]

Hey Kurt , i walked over 320km in 1 month , it saved my life . Keep walking bro , u look great

[@poetkurt]

Thank you

[@theotang681]

i was a bike courier in toronto during the days when we only used pagers. no flip phones yet even. those were the good days of making money as a courier. i would be delivering a lot of post production things such as film, negatives, tapes etc....lawyer firms would use us a lot of course. when you think about it, bike couriers delivered your stuff within minutes kind of like teleportation really. total respect to bike couriers all over the world. peace.

[@dmac7403]

Ever saw the movie Quick Silver with Kevin Bacon it was made during the height of bike couriers and on foot like this guy.

[@defaultworkouts]

who cares about respect? they make SHIT money. this job SUCKS

[@donverit_ass5959]

🫡

[@realg9475]

He deserves more

[@jacob476]

Toronto is not new york!!!

[@Raven1180]

'What you would call living well' words of wisdom right there

[@billrose2202]

Squid is a legend in the messenger world. Humble well spoken guy with respect for others. Good man. Hey can you post some links to Kurts online media please? Would like to spread the love. Cheers

[@MattSezer]

www.kurtboonebooks.com

[@douglashernandez826]

I use to be a messenger in Los Angeles Beverly Hills we had bikers and cars and motorcycles then we had downtown Los Angeles Times change after 2008 money is not the same i did it for 11 yrs it was booming 90s it died 2010 lots of money we work for the film industry and boutiques I met every celebrity u can imagine in Beverly Hills we seen everything everything

[@defaultworkouts]

20 years and no job or skills or wage growth. same lower class income.

[@Carltonwanks]

Default, exactly he seems like a whiner

[@RaoulDuke69]

@@defaultworkouts Not everyone wants to be a cubiclecuck. He seems to enjoy it, so who cares.

[@fredricksmith-something.2125]

I'd rather have this man deliver messages for me than Fed Ex or UPS. Bravo bro.

[@jcarter2552]

Not many people appreciate humble people, people with humility and grace. Most think brash, confident, hype is the best approach. Great wisdom through the ages reveals that in time, the latter fall far from grace, but the former inherit the earth

[@povnyc4494]

I remember doing Uber eats on foot before I was able to afford a bike… then I got a bike and was grateful I had one I was about 24 in 14st hustling I’m now 31 live in Florida have two cars and a child I look back at my 20s in the city and it really humbles me man super grateful for that struggle 💰

[@r.616]

Bless this man. So positive, he makes me think of work differently, a lot of people lately have. Thank you Kurt

[@powsniffer0110]

So what has it changed in your life then since? Have you put any of those different thoughts to work for you?

[@nenaun]

He deserves the recognition

[@robertduluth8994]

This man is a treasure and deserves a quality of life wage!! All working people deserve this. He's an example of someone being productive regardless of incentive, there goes that argument

[@kingcrustytut7544]

Thank you for sharing this simple but beautiful story

[@inbetweenworlds]

Mad respect for Kurt Boone! 💯❤ You make the world a better place!

[@patrickcameron2950]

The thing I loved most about being a bike courier was all the interesting people you’d meet on the job. And you’d be constantly running into people throughout your day and having little short conversations, catching up with people. It’s a really tough way to make a living long term but I still miss it some days.

[@Rileysparadox]

YOU GOT IT.... NEVER LET THE MATRIX MAKE YOU FEEL AS YOUR TRAPPED... WE ARE NEVER STUCK IN IT. WONDERFUL BEING. I LOVE YOU KURT

[@yudiapriadi6484]

This is new story for me, I am a bike messenger from Jakarta Indonesia. Big respect for you Mr Kurt and Mr Matt who made the story into visual

[@hollywoodhiggins1576]

He takes so much pride in his work! I respect the hell out of him!

[@Carltonwanks]

Your respect Is completely meaningless

[@zoebiboei216]

The world needs more Kurts’!!! Earth angel legend 😇

[@straightedge_eli2062]

Somebody PAY IT FORWARD to this man!!!!

[@jayh9806]

Mad respect for this man for embracing life and just enjoying what he does everyday.

[@elluisito000]

Big respect for this man and all the people doing that kind of job

[@michaelolson571]

Kurt is an awesome person. I love how he takes pride in his job and knows it's important. He work his ass off, doesn't have much, doesn't blame anyone, yet he has an awesome attitude. Keep killing it Kurt!

[@defaultworkouts]

capitalists love guys like him who will work decades at low pay with a smile.

[@shifty1927]

Wow love his attitude. People just want to feel appreciated, that's all. Need more people like him.

[@readysetsleep]

There are other messengers I've seen ride the LIRR for pick ups in Nassau and drop offs in Manhattan. The foot messenger is always overlooked, with the hype of the bike messenger.

[@wildbizillbizzyy]

Stay blessed bud I walk slot also stay irie in these times champ salute bred

[@JonPrevost]

This kills me. A man is filling a need in society and he makes less than people who do NOT work. God help this country.

[@temporarybackup5077]

It's over. Ain't ever happenin'

[@pepeshadilay]

U can thank the illegals

[@jamesc210]

The reason hes making so little is he's an independent contractor. It shouldn't be possible to work constantly and make less than minimum wage, just because you're an IC. Need to do away with that BS.

[@zin.nesis1]

Maby because this work is for young people for a short period of time? Also he does not use bike, that would make him deliver more things and earn more. But if it makes him happy, it’s his decisions

[@JonPrevost]

@@BigRed2 You make my point. He had a job, there are people who could do this work, don't, and get paid more than him. Explain with the insight that doesn't include insulting his intelligence...

[@danjones3402]

Man has a great spirit!! Never give up!!

[@Stretch1931]

Love his positivity. And he’s right, no matter where you live or what you do or what you eat, or what you wear, it’s not how much you have or how much you can afford, but how happy you are in life. Nothing amount of money can make you happy. Only YOU can make you happy. Rich people continue to grind because they are never happy.

[@Rileysparadox]

AMAZING. IF YOUR READING THIS KURT I LOVE YOU. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOUSELF. AND YOU ARE A TRUE INSPIRATION. YOU LIVED YOUR TRUE PURPOSE. MUCH BLESSINGS TO YOU. TAKE CARE

[@poetkurt]

Thank you and much appreciated

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

This is amazing! I was a bike messenger for a few years in the late 90s early 00s and it was hands down the best job I ever had. this guy is living the dream to still be doing it today!

[@superdeluxesmell]

Why did you stop?

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

@@superdeluxesmell because I was stupid and thought I should "get a real job" I'm not sure I would still be doing it today, but i for sure should have kept at it for a few more years. But I still have found memories of those years, it was an amazing job at the time.

[@tygrrrmoore9815]

For two to three years it might be great seeing a Big City from different aspects. After that the wear and tear on your body, the fact that not many women would want to date "a messenger" there is no growth, doubt you will achieve any measure of Financial Stability, no health insurance. Definitely not by any stretch of the imagination a "Dream Job." For a young kid 19-22 it might be ok, after that move on to something else because people's praises and goodwill does nothing for your bank account. And at the end of each day sitting in his lonely room he has to have deep religious convictions or achieve a state of higher consciousness not to keep asking himself "What If?"

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

@@tygrrrmoore9815 Physically the job didn't really wear on my body for the few years I did it. It is a very active job, but not one that really breaks you down. once you are conditioned to the level of work. True that you won't get rich doing this, but you can make a decent middle class living, at least as a bike messenger, not sure how the income of a foot messenger compares. I never had issues dating when I was a messenger. While it might not be a dream job for you, but for a lot it is... don't knock it till you try it.

[@J3unG]

@@IdeaStudioBKK Yeh...that dude is probably some fukin desk jockey who gets hemorrhoids from riding that seat all day. His post reads like a stream of consciousness bile because hate. None of his shit made any sense. It seemed like he was overreaching on a lot of it and made these stupid middle-class assumptions that give the middle finger to non desk jockeys. Far too many of those kuntz on YT these days.

[@ByDaniSimone]

NY runs on these messengers. I used to work in the garment district and we sent and received packages and worked with couriers allll day long. They deserve alll the respect. Also one time I got hit by a bike messenger. I still have tears in my eyes and ptsd from that moment. Ouch.

[@Searching4DMT]

I was a bike messenger and one day in the winter time i slipped on ice and flew pff my bike, my head was 6 inches away from a bus passing by me. I could have died if i was going faster. I still have ptsd

[@ByDaniSimone]

@@Searching4DMT I thought you were going to say you were the bike messenger who hit me!

[@sivartb7273]

🤣

[@brandenbarnett6093]

This man and other laborers like him keep the country going. He is motivation

[@ForGlory1]

If you keep moving your body will show its appreciation. I don't think I personally know anyone in they're 60's moving that good

[@earl1394]

I liked this guy within 30 seconds of this video and he did not fail. Bet he is mad fit too romping around the city

[@junkfoodeater]

Back in the days as a photographer you needed at least four and often up to ten courier runs for just one job, to the lab, back from the lab, to dark room copyist and back then to the clients for approval and it just went on and on. It must be so much harder for the couriers these day.

[@poetkurt]

I remember those days. Long gone with digital technology and the internet

[@fredstah714]

You, sir, is doing honest work for a living. Those are the one who deserves more than average pay. Period.

[@pdmpdm999]

What a great man!!

[@TW-ps2cr]

A plethora of 'professional' business folks should be humbled by this profile.

[@unlawfullettuce798]

This world needs more people like him..

[@urmomsfriend4909]

this dude is so dope. he’s got a good outlook on things. I aspire to be that way. Respect OG

[@1hustleman387]

Kurt he’s such a humble person. He looked like a good person to hang out. This inspired people by not giving up even tho how hard this job is he still working 🫡

[@hijacklambert]

YOU'RE A LEGEND KURT!

[@OlekDeejay]

This guy can definitely start his own company with his fame now and multiply his income exponentially, while also boosting the local economy. So much potential here.

[@conzmoleman]

No one should have to build a brand to make a decent living and retirement. Capitalism is a disease and grind/hustle culture is the symptom. I say this as someone who has massive respect for this dude. I also walk 15 miles a day delivering mail and parcels on foot so I totally get it.

[@conwaytwittyer2667]

@@conzmoleman PREACH✊

[@ssmith9880]

Incredible! This warmed my heart. It really did. Thank you.

[@BE-bs8oe]

Let's support this humble walking Jesus, allowing others to work thru his service.

[@dreadman974]

This channel is a gem. Keep doing what you're doing Matt !

[@knowledgei_godallah]

Peace excellent work

[@elbichote8297]

Dudes a legend 🤙🏽 seen him in the streets before 🚲 R.I.P 3:54

[@mzlocorn]

Always enjoyed watching NYC messengers ! Thanks !

[@nomadben]

This a great story, Kurt seems like a cool dude. Thanks for sharing.

[@eyemissmyunclecharles7185]

I find this video fascinating for some reason, I always go back to it very couple of months

[@deadmeatjb]

Mr. Boone has a voice that couldn't scare a cat. Im a courier too, not a messenger tho, independent contractor life isn't wealthy but I have found love in it too, i can actually say I've seen every bit of pavement in my city.

[@poetkurt]

Super cool Bro

[@sableann4255]

What a good guy!

[@EK-fl8yz]

Thank you for making the video .I’ve never heard of him .What an amazing person.🇦🇺👍

[@mon3ylounge]

This is awesome thank you for bringing this story

[@federicotrabucci5907]

this is amazing matt, i didn't know kurt's history till now. thanks a lot, good job

[@mikesmith883]

Kurt Boone man a legend much respect

[@NycForgiato]

Someone get this guy a paid apartment in soho. He deserves it.

[@shaungreenwood3232]

Inspirational man, very wise. Somebody i could only aspire to be like

[@jt.8144]

2023. This Man is Far Fitter than the majority if not all 59 year old males Today.

[@bronxtours4193]

Dude looks 40 years old . Long live bro!!

[@sawsh420]

Recognition is not enough, give this man a fair salary for his job

[@qmaineotcg]

He’s a private contractor. It’s up to him. There obviously a market standard rate but he could innovate and charge a higher rate. He’s comfortable and happy. It is what it is

[@cardenas333]

Thanks for pointing out that recognition is not enough for him or the millions of others who are private contractors

[@HE-162]

@@qmaineotcg he’s not a private contractor because he works for himself - the company he works for pays their labor as private contractors. He doesn’t have any control over the his rate

[@RayNLA]

Blessings to this gentleman!

[@douglaskeller7950]

Such a soft soul

[@KenMiguelCipriano]

Kurt Boone is the man, worked with him for a min like 10 years ago

[@juanrodriguez6508]

That’s awesome I love being food courier on my bike in NYC awesome video

[@MUFC1933]

Love this man ❤

[@renviluan2842]

People having pride in what they do. Awesome.

[@alongjunor7729]

many people dont realize that just by walking you can managa your bmi effectively. what an amzing job he got into..you got a client that need a delivery service but you currently en route to other place..you contact your other buddy to make the delivary..help each other..

[@powsniffer0110]

Sick right up! Loved this peak into the messenger lifestyle! Mad respect to these guys! 🙏❤️

[@poetkurt]

Great Comment. Thanks

[@Ro-ey5oq]

This bloke helps make the world turn

[@karlbake313]

Enjoyed the video! Feel his spirit!

[@Jaybrooklyn45]

Respect to you and everyone Kurt live their and use to do the same work respect

[@nomadhues8606]

So we’ll done. this was beautiful to watch

[@kevinforeman4485]

He needs to advance in the company as a dispatcher. He's obviously knows the city well.

[@antonatherley1872]

Embodies the new york spirit keep pshing keep grinding

[@Energine1]

Nice doc excellent story!

[@jupiterjohnson7191]

This guy is amazing! He reminds me of Coach Steve from Big Mouth on Netflix! I think I would be a Bike Messenger not a foot messenger! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Awesome vid!

[@BKaneNp8]

Thanks for sharing. Hope he is well today

[@Timmymtd]

hell yeah dude is shining. inspiring

[@Carlos-dq8wo]

Un buen tipo y excelente demostración de trabajo. Master. ✊🏽

[@RealJoeSlice]

That's very cool. More people need to see this.

[@antublack8027]

Keep walking Sir, inspire us

[@ninetofiverecordings]

Inspiring & such a positive mindset.

[@E38vip]

He probably knows every trick of the trade. Every single corner of that city. Respect .

[@horrorluvernyc]

wow this was awesome. Always cool to learn new stuff

[@royalewithcheese09]

Awesome video. I can totally relate

[@internationalBFF]

Thank you for being a part of the BFF.

[@gageyoung]

This is a great piece.

[@abcdefghi9]

Kurt seems like such a cool guy, and barely looks a day over 30.Must be all the walking.

[@whatsgoodamerica]

God bless, you are an inspiration!

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

In a way, these messengers are almost the same as a owner operator truck driver. Very interesting job

[@keithcummings691]

3:53 Aurilla and Kurt priceless!!

[@TheMetalFreshTiger]

💥💥💥💥💥 big respect to him

[@ilivemylifeaquartermileata9147]

Solid dude with some Solid people. Respect!

[@juanrodriguez6508]

That is a awesome guy keep up the good work

[@cleoalvaro3264]

I was a bike messenger for five years in NYC. I stopped biking after a fellow messenger was killed by vehicle. You have a picture with her at 3:54!! RIP Aurilla Lawrence

[@MattSezer]

So sad, she was such a positive presence, and it’s infuriating that the driver who killed her wasn’t charged.

[@leroyjenkinsss1767]

Sorry for your loss. A lot of people I know in the Messenger community were really hurt by her passing too