Pedal is a fast-paced documentary film about surviving in the streets of New York City as a bicycle messenger. It features messengers from all walks of life as they battle traffic in a race to make their next delivery on time. Directed by Sutherland and produced by Ana Lombardo, Pedal the documentary lets viewers live the spectacle of the delivery itself. It premiered in 2001 at the South by Southwest film festival, and was later acquired by the Sundance channel, where it aired until 2004.
Cinematography
Helmet-cam footage puts you inches from taxi bumpers.
Editing
Rapid-fire cuts match the heartbeat of the job.
Director
Peter Sutherland
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Peter Sutherland was himself a messenger for years, shooting footage between deliveries.
This doc helped spark the 2000s fixed-gear craze; many riders today don't realize the dangerous working-class origins of their aesthetic.
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