Alleycats, fixies, and double rushes: an ethnography of New York City bike messengers

This thesis covers four main areas. First, using the concept of global cities I explain why bicycle messengers came into existence and continue to exist within the information age. Second, I provide a brief history of the occupation, explain how the job works, and describe key aspects of messenger style. Third, I explore the dynamics of the job and offer an explanation for why such a vibrant and social world has developed around an often disparaged occupation. Fourth, the ritual importance of illegal street races is analyzed. This thesis seeks to highlight how global capitalism has created a pocket of resistance. Most importantly, these pockets of resistance are connected to a deeper understanding of reality construction. The rituals and sacred objects found within the messengers social world counteract the pervasive doubt produced by the rationalization of the postmodern world.