Revisiting the Joy of Bike Messaging in Parcel Corps

Before returning to New York City last spring, I had rarely ridden a bike in Manhattan since my 20s. Back then, I had less health insurance but was less concerned about getting hurt. Now, as a safety-conscious middle-aged man with a bad knee and high insurance premiums, I find myself shaking my fist at other cyclists who break traffic rules. However, the recent indie game Parcel Corps has allowed me to recall the feeling of invincibility.

Parcel Corps: A Game of Bike Messaging

Parcel Corps was released in early October. You take on the role of a bike messenger, choosing a faction and making deliveries in a busy, colorful city. Under time pressure, you can perform various tricks like grinding rails, wall-riding, and sliding under obstacles. I have only played the early hours of the game, where you dart between areas, build relationships with businesses, and deliver their packages. There are multiple areas and different types of missions, such as those that require specific tricks.The game's city has a bright and friendly atmosphere that encourages you to enjoy riding around like a maniac. Breaking the law and defying common sense was what made being a bike messenger cool when I was young, and Parcel Corps captures this spirit. The best part is that you can't get injured or harm others. This turns the city into a playground for making stupid decisions. You can speed through a park where pedestrians are walking, ride the wrong way on busy roads, or look at your phone while doing all these things. The sun always shines, people are in a good mood, and the game's goofy humor is charming. Even though I usually get stressed by games with time limits, the relaxed vibe makes it enjoyable even in chaos.In the last few weeks, I have biked into Manhattan a few times and been shocked by the differences. There is more bike infrastructure now, which is good, but there are also more types of vehicles on the roads. I don't mean to be anti-e-bikes, but they make me nervous. They roar up behind me in the bike lane, speed the wrong way on narrow bridges, and race down sidewalks. Combined with mopeds and the bad choices of inexperienced cyclists on Citi Bikes, city riding can be very scary. Just this week, I witnessed a collision between two e-bikes. A few months ago, I saw someone on a motorized scooter nearly hit multiple pedestrians by running a red light in a tourist area. And the other night, I saw a guy with children on his bike acting like he had the right of way while cars and bikes had to swerve to avoid him.I used to be that guy who rode like this too. I still remember a fireman yelling at me as I darted in front of their truck. I yelled back, but it was a close call. I understand how delivery apps encourage dangerous riding. While I get angry at regular riders making dangerous choices, I think the solution lies in making the city safer for cyclists and pedestrians. (Real congestion pricing is needed.) But I also remember the joy of making the streets your own and using the landscape to your advantage. It's fun to ride like an asshole, even if it makes you one.So, I see Parcel Corps as a place to let those tendencies and desires free. It's a video game power fantasy where you can ride as you want without consequences. I may have gone from being a cool bike punk to an old man who might wear a neon safety vest soon (visibility is important!), but I still have my needs. In Parcel Corps, I can break down highways, slide under trucks, and ride on sidewalks like the world is mine and my bike. And of course, make deliveries too.