Meal deliverers reckless on the bike? No worse than normal cyclists – and at least they wear a helmet

Meal deliverers do not run more unsafe than regular users of electric bicycles – in contrast to the predominantly negative picture of how those deliverers go into traffic. In some respects, these road users even behave more safely, according to a study by Stichting Scientific Research on Road Safety (SWOV).

From the SWOV- report It appears that meal deliverers and ‘normal’ electric cyclists break the traffic rules about as often as often or deliberately. They also take similar risks. And deliverers do not use their phone more often while cycling than regular electric cyclists. Only a small part actually uses the mobile during the ride (3.7 percent).

The research was conducted between 2022 and 2024 and consists of a questionnaire, an observation round and a media investigation. First, 118 meal deliverers and 33 normal users of an electric bicycle were interviewed. Subsequently, a few observers noted the differences between the two groups of road users at busy intersections. Finally, between 2015 and 2022, researchers have analyzed about accidents with deliverers on the then Twitter, now X.

Reckless

It is remarkable that meal deliverers sometimes behave safer in traffic. For example, bicycle couriers, for example, wear a helmet more often than other cyclists and they drive through red less often.

According to the researchers, this goes against the image that has arisen about meal deliverers over the years in the media. Due to an emphasis on accidents and reckless driving behavior, bicycle couriers are generally very negatively known. « People often think that they are not taking the traffic rules that closely. Cycling over the sidewalk, going through a red light or crossing a crossroads. But that thought does not seem to be entirely justified, » explains the SWOV spokesperson.

The research also shows that the negative image of meal deliverers means that other road users respond more negatively or more brutally to deliverers. Motorists, motorcyclists and other cyclists « honk, call, make gestures, or (search) physical contact with the cyclist, » the report says.

We do work with coordinators who check deliverers at busy locations, but it remains difficult

Meal delivery service Thuisbezorgd.nl is happy with the research results. According to the company, it is the result of years of information to make deliverers aware of road safety. « Everyone has to follow a course every year where situations are simulated while cycling. For example, a child is crossing it, what do you do? » Says a spokesperson. Starting delivery people must also wear a helmet and striking clothing, such as a reflective cardigan.

Delivery people who don’t do that are warned. « If someone does not repeatedly adhere to these rules, it will lead to dismissal, » said the delivery service.

That compliance remains a tricky point. The spokesperson calls it extremely difficult to check the traffic behavior of employees: « We usually cannot see what delivery people do. We do work with coordinators who are in busy locations and who check, but it remains difficult. »

Other delivery services refused to respond.

Overlap

The bicycle behavior of delivery people seems to be dependent on how they are paid. The researchers have strong instructions that deliverers who are paid per hour and not per order are of paramount importance. The first group would experience less time pressure. « They will then cross the road less in a hurry. This makes them smaller that they will do dangerous antics, » said the SWOV spokesperson.

Thuisbezorgd.nl can agree with this. The delivery service pays for deliverers per hour: « Then they will not joke through the city with an emergency. »

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