Partnership for Improved Working Conditions and Road Safety
Climate charity Possible and the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) have joined forces to address the pressing issue of working conditions and road safety for couriers and delivery workers in London. Their collaborative effort has resulted in the release of a new report titled Hot Wheels, which highlights the need for enhanced cycling infrastructure and traffic-reduction measures to support food delivery workers in their daily tasks.
Increasing Demand in the Delivery Sector
Over the past few years, the delivery sector in London has experienced significant growth, with an estimated 20,000 individuals now employed as food delivery and courier riders. These riders heavily rely on London’s cycle lanes, as approximately 10% of all cycling trips in the city are undertaken by delivery workers, according to recent research conducted by IWGB and Possible.
Challenges Faced by Couriers
The Hot Wheels report sheds light on the challenges faced by couriers, with 80% expressing a preference for utilizing protected cycle lanes or low traffic routes whenever possible. A staggering 60% of couriers admitted to feeling constantly at risk or in danger while navigating the city’s roads during work hours.
Call to Action for Safer Working Conditions
The report emphasizes the urgent need for better cycling infrastructure, increased availability of low traffic routes, and improved pay and conditions for delivery workers in London. By implementing a scrappage scheme and social leasing program for legal e-bikes, couriers would be able to transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric bikes, reducing air pollution and enhancing road safety. Additionally, creating more cycling-friendly infrastructure and promoting safer transport options would not only benefit couriers but also contribute to TfL’s ‘Vision Zero’ strategy of eliminating road deaths in London by 2041.
Shaf Hussain, a dedicated cycle courier and Chair of the Couriers and Logistics Branch of the IWGB, shared his personal insights on the challenges faced by delivery workers. He emphasized the need for broader support from policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure safer working conditions, reduced emissions, and improved infrastructure for couriers across the city. By prioritizing the well-being and safety of delivery workers, London can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for all individuals involved in the delivery sector.
