NYC’s App-Based Food Delivery Workers Face Perilous Road Conditions and Safety Risks
Delivery drivers on electric bicycles and mopeds in New York City face significant dangers on the roads due to inadequate infrastructure and the high pressure to deliver quickly. With the rise of app-based food delivery services, there are now over 65,000 restaurant delivery workers in the city, with around 80% of them using e-bikes and motorbikes. Unfortunately, this means that they have one of the deadliest jobs in New York City.
According to the city Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, the fatality rate for these workers between January 2021 and June 2022 was at least 36 per 100,000. This rate is more than five times the fatality rate for construction workers in the city, highlighting the significant risks faced by delivery drivers. Traffic crashes account for most driver deaths, but they are also subject to a high rate of violent robbery.
Not only are delivery drivers facing a high risk of fatalities, but they also experience severe injuries at an alarming rate. The city report found that 28.7% of e-bike or moped delivery workers suffered injuries that required them to miss work, lose consciousness, or seek medical care. These injuries are often not reported to the police or medical professionals due to fear of deportation, as many delivery drivers are immigrants living in the country illegally.
One of the main contributors to these risks is the inadequate infrastructure in New York City. The roads are primarily designed for cars and trucks, with little consideration for the safety of cyclists and scooter riders. Only 3% of the city’s roads have protected bike lanes, and intersections lack sufficient red light cameras for enforcement. Consequently, cyclists and non-car drivers resort to sidewalks or dangerous roads, putting themselves and pedestrians at risk.
The surge in delivery drivers on e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and motorbikes has not only increased safety concerns but also created quality-of-life issues for others on the street. New York Mayor Eric Adams recently announced the establishment of a new department of sustainable delivery to regulate commercial delivery services using micro-mobility vehicles. While the city’s Department of Transportation claims to be taking street safety seriously, advocates believe that more needs to be done to improve infrastructure and create dedicated lanes for e-bikes and mopeds.
The gig economy status of app-based delivery workers contributes to their vulnerability. As contractors rather than employees, they are not entitled to benefits such as health insurance, creating financial insecurity. However, recent regulations have sought to improve their working conditions. The city implemented a minimum wage for app-based restaurant delivery drivers, and in April, the hourly wage was increased to $19.56, before tips. These measures aim to provide fair pay and lessen the pressure on drivers to deliver quickly, ultimately prioritizing their safety.
Advocates for delivery workers call for additional changes, including increased worker protections, investments in infrastructure like bike lanes and parking, better education for workers, and stronger enforcement of employers’ obligations. They also propose the establishment of “Deliverista hubs” – storefronts where workers can take breaks, charge their bikes, receive training, and access city resources like health insurance. These initiatives would significantly enhance worker safety and well-being.
Ensuring the safety of delivery workers should be a public priority. With New Yorkers relying on app-based delivery workers during times of crisis, it’s crucial to create a safer environment for these essential workers. Delivery drivers and advocacy groups are pushing for improvements in infrastructure and better working conditions to protect those who keep us safe and fed during challenging times.
