New study finds food delivery riders don’t take more risks on the roads

A new study has found food delivery riders do not take more risks on the roads than private cyclists.

Researchers from Queensland University of Technology observed and compared 3401 bicycle food delivery riders and private cyclists in five inner Brisbane suburbs during lunchtime and dinner time peaks over a period of six days last winter.

“Despite media and public concern, the observations did not support a view that BFDRs [bicycle food delivery riders] engage in more risky riding behaviours than private riders,” the authors wrote.

“Overall, helmets were worn by 97.4 per cent of riders (BFDRs 99.3 per cent vs private riders 93.4 per cent), which is very positive given the safety benefits that helmets offer in the event of a crash or fall.”

Read the full story on the QUT website.