There is always danger for those who are afraid.

Percentage wise, how many people remain messengers very long? If accurate data was kept, I venture to guess less than 10% of those who start remain messengers longer than, say, 4 years.

Unionizing is the only answer to getting a decent wage, and making the job more appealing. Other wise, it's just a job to have held for someone's perception of "cool". There's a niche that bike messengers fill, and it could be a bigger niche, a better niche, and they could get recognition for what they do. There is room for growth, with gas prices only increasing, a demand for "greener" things and people's disastifaction with the status quo. But, with out unity, nothing prevails. Even for the free spirited bike riders.