Bicycle couriers are common to dense urban centres, but a Nanaimo couple say they intend to make it work in the sprawling Harbour City.
Jocelyn and Mike Hofmaier launched ViaVelo Courier this month. Interest in the venture has already begun to pour in for the Hofmaiers, just weeks after their business licence was approved by the city.
Bicycle courier services have been previously attempted in Nanaimo, but with a total land area of more than 90 square kilometres, a lack of density has made bike deliveries a difficult proposition. What makes ViaVelo Courier different is the method of transport, aptly dubbed the 'Blue Velomobile.'
"I used to bike courier [in Vancouver] years ago, and I've always kind of had my eye on what's called the 'velomobile,'" said Hofmaier. "They've always appealed to me . . . because they're more efficient than the typical bike."
A velomobile is a car-like bicycle enclosed in a light, aerodynamic outer body. To adapt it to the rigours of Nanaimo's long distances and hills, Hofmaier paired an onboard battery to an electric hub motor for the bicycle.
The results have been eyebrowraising and lend credence to the company's claim that a courier service could work in Nanaimo.
"I average, over the course of a day, close to 30 km/h with stops and everything which, for a bike, is pretty good," said Hofmaier. "We also go all the way up to Parksville. It takes me about 40 minutes to get to Parksville from [north Nanaimo]."
The key has been recent advances in battery technology. Hofmaier said he has been able to cover distances "well over 100 kilometres" without having to worry about bottom line-killing stops for a charge.
The result is a business model that can allow for same-day delivery from Nanaimo, to Lantzville, Nanoose or Parksville. ViaVelo has broken down the centres into two zones. A delivery within Nanaimo and Lantzville, or Parksville and Nanoose, costs $6. For $10, a customer can get a package delivered from Nanaimo to Parksville.
"It feels like a shame to use a van to take an envelope somewhere," said Hofmaier. That said, some of the challenges typically associated with bicycle delivery methods remain.
ViaVelo's rule of thumb for the size of a package is that it should not exceed the size of a briefcase.
Frequent trips along the highway in a small, lightweight plastic vehicle can also be somewhat risky for the driver.
"The big thing is the visibility, because you're a bit lower to the ground and smaller," Hofmaier said. "I have visibility lights; trying to be as defensive as possible. "Everyone seems to do a doubletake, then give me lots of room," he said.
Jocelyn Hofmaier serves as the company dispatcher and has an ordering process that can work by phone, online or email.
The two say their clients range from those in the legal profession to pharmacies, engineering firms and real estate agents.
