The safety of delivery bikers

Rules are critical, but awareness is also needed for the safety of delivery riders

The safety of motorcycle deliverers needs more attention. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

Motorcycle delivery riders are expected to make deliveries with speed and efficiency. Faster deliveries could also mean more tips from customers. Such pressure can, unfortunately, lead to unsafe driving or traffic rules being flouted.

And so, as The National reported yesterday, safety experts are urging motorcycle delivery riders to ride with caution and never neglect wearing protective gear. According to Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, 26 people died in motorbike accidents in 2015 and 2016 and motorbike riders were involved in 824 traffic offences in 2016 alone. Although motorcycle users are a minority, they form a large part of the road casualties and deaths due to the vulnerability of any rider in an accident.

Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been working on addressing the issue. Dubai has introduced new standardised technical specifications for delivery motorbikes, including rounded edges and phosphoric reflector strips, which will come into effect from June 6. In 2013, Abu Dhabi has also introduced regulations governing food deliveries to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users. Delivery staff, like any other motorcyclists, have to abide by traffic rules.

While it's important that these rules are strictly enforced, awareness and education are also critical. Delivery companies have to provide their staff with proper training and briefing of the traffic rules and encourage them to drive safely. A good initiative was Safety Delivered, which was launched last year by the pizza delivery company Freedom Pizza, to promote a strong safety culture among its staff. The company introduced a training programme and required its delivery riders to sign a pledge that they carry with them on the road when they leave for a delivery saying "I will drive safe," as a constant reminder.

Restaurant owners also have to equip their staff with appropriate gear and safe motorcycles and ensure good maintenance of the vehicles in the long run. It’s important that employers consider the safety of their staff before anything else.