In a society that demands instant gratification – whether it’s food you’ve ordered, documents you want delivered or products you’ve dispatched to waiting customers – you want it done now and not a second later.

That’s why it’s somewhat amusing that bicycle messengers not only exist today but are doing brisk business whizzing down city streets picking-up and delivering documents, packages, gifts, groceries and food.

These plucky, adventurous riders make up Velo Express, the sole bicycle courier service in Malaysia. Founded in 2015, the collective is wholly-owned and managed by its riders.

“Our co-founder, Jordi, came across bicycle courier services in other parts of the world, including Indonesia, so he wanted to start one here too,” said Muhammad Nur Rabbani, 29, fondly known as Bani.

With a delivery range of 25km, the riders also offer specialised services, such as post office pick-up and drop-off, prescription medication delivery and getting documents signed and stamped. They’ve even been asked to deposit cash – a testament to their trustworthiness.

But isn’t using a car to deliver packages, especially heavy items, way more efficient and faster?

Not quite, given Klang Valley’s often grid-locked traffic. Besides, the riders use cargo bikes to transport items over 10kg in weight. And unlike other e-haling rides, they offer personalised service. “We’re pretty flexible; we can wait, and even return things,” said Mior Syahril Mior Ahmad, 31, one of the six riders at Velo Express.

They provide same-day delivery, and have received positive feedback so far.

Although bicycle courier services are common overseas, the riders admit that the going was tough at the start. But they got their break ironically, during the many Covid-19 lockdowns, when supportive Malaysians who wanted to help small, local businesses, used their services.

“There were those who asked us to buy groceries for their parents and aunties, as well as pick-up things from offices,” said Bani.

He said that when he joined the collective in 2015, it was rather daunting cycling on Malaysian roads. “But it’s safer now as more motorists realise people use bicycles as a mode of transport,” he said.

He pointed out however, that infrastructure such as bike racks and bike lanes are still too few. It also doesn’t help that many motorists carelessly park their cars on lanes designated for bikers.

Then there are the few motorists who harass cyclists, and even threaten to knock them down. “We face this at least once a week. Sometimes, despite seeing us, they accelerate and try to overtake us in a dangerous manner,” said Syahril, adding that there are also car and truck drivers who tell them to ‘go play elsewhere’.

Despite these business and road-safety challenges, the riders at Velo Express said they hoped to see more bicycle courier services launched so they can collaborate with them and grow the bike messenger community in Malaysia.

And although it’s inconceivable for some that anyone would want to cycle under the hot Malaysian sun, the riders aren’t bothered in the least bit.

“When you’re in a car, you can’t wait to reach your destination, but it’s quite the opposite when you’re on a bike, as besides enjoying the ride, you get to connect with nature and see things you’ve never noticed,” said Faris Azhar, 33.

Regrettably, some people still believe that these bikers ride for fun and nothing more. “We want people to think of us as a legit courier service, instead of a bunch of guys and girls on bikes, because ultimately, we’re trying to earn an honest living,” said Faris.

So, if you need to run an errand within the city, do give the passionate, free-spirited riders at Velo Express a call, while doing your part to reduce congestion and pollution in the city.

Need Velo Express’ services? Contact them at 013-6871233 or check out their website, as well as Facebook and Instagram accounts.