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I think this is not true, just a biased perception because we see way more nyc bike messengers than messengers from other places (on the internet, documentaries, youtube channels like CheatDeathNYC or RoughCut etc)
And Manhattan is totally flat, so it makes sense to ride a fixed gear bike, considering it'll be lighter and allow you to accelerate and brake easily, which is something you'll be doing a lot in a highly populated city with heavy traffic
On top of that, fixies are cheaper, need less repair, you can fix most stuff on your own, they draw less attention from thieves, they're light, and you have more control over your bike, your speed, maneuverability
And, of course, there's the fixie subculture
I worked as a food delivery bike boy for some time riding a fixed gear in a hill-filled city
I bought my fixie because I liked the way it forces you to pedal all the time (I wanted something to exercise and that could get me around town when I bought it), and it's great when I'm riding for fun indeed, but I would prefer a geared bike for the delivery work
Riding 90-95km a day with no gears and 20+ kg on your back is not the most comfortable experience
Actually what fucked me up the most was the weight on my back
If I were carrying papers and light stuff I guess fixed gear is ok, though a geared bike would be less extenuating
