r/Glasgow Tools

Title
Author	JamesLeboss
Comment	I remember commenting on a thread "Cyclists without Lights" in the Deliveroos subreddit a few months ago and this is part of the lack of consideration these delivery riders have for other people around them. I have done food deliveries on a "push-bike" from 2018 to mid-2023 in Glasgow areas and I can confirm that this is an issue I noticed a long time ago. Over the years, I have witnessed normal bikes using electric wheels to be used as e-bikes. In my opinion, they were not looking safe with kits of 2 batteries attached/taped to their frames and powering the bike forward without pedaling. Over the past years, low-frame e-bikes with chunky tires seem to become the norm. I agree with many people regarding the number of accidents caused by these delivery riders. The issue is not really the e-bikes (although like the one I described above would need to be banned as they represent hazards to the rider and their surroundings) but the behavior of the riders using them. Among the aspects that are problematic, the main one (mentioned in the article) is the use of their smartphones while riding (somehow they always have people to call) meaning that they cannot quickly react if an obstacle arises. Moreover, they often have earphones or headphones which does not allow them to be fully aware of their surroundings. They do not seem to be aware of traffic rules (other cyclists are also guilty of this) but how often have I seen e-bike riders not stopping at a red light, while I stopped and caught them soon after (in theory having an electric assistance would make it less stressful getting momentum after standstill considering vehicles waiting behind us). Finally, the bikes are quite big and they often leave them just in front of the doors of the restaurants they are collecting food from (e.g., Smashburger on Sauchiehall St). I just wanted to share my experience as a former delivery rider and the bottom line is that I am happy to be done with that chapter of my life. I am glad an article has been written about it, however, I am not sure this will result in any major change. There are many visible signs that the riding behaviors of these e-bike riders are a hazard for other road users and pedestrians but despite being present for quite a while nothing has been done. The least I can hope is that the number of people injured remains as closer to 0.
Reddit Link	https://www.reddit.com/r/glasgow/comments/17iffvr/im_terrified_of_ebikes_after_food_courier_smash/k6z6rra/
Created	Sun 29th Oct 2023 5:37pm
Status	normal ()

I remember commenting on a thread "Cyclists without Lights" in the Deliveroos subreddit a few months ago and this is part of the lack of consideration these delivery riders have for other people around them.

I have done food deliveries on a "push-bike" from 2018 to mid-2023 in Glasgow areas and I can confirm that this is an issue I noticed a long time ago.

Over the years, I have witnessed normal bikes using electric wheels to be used as e-bikes. In my opinion, they were not looking safe with kits of 2 batteries attached/taped to their frames and powering the bike forward without pedaling. Over the past years, low-frame e-bikes with chunky tires seem to become the norm.

I agree with many people regarding the number of accidents caused by these delivery riders. The issue is not really the e-bikes (although like the one I described above would need to be banned as they represent hazards to the rider and their surroundings) but the behavior of the riders using them. Among the aspects that are problematic, the main one (mentioned in the article) is the use of their smartphones while riding (somehow they always have people to call) meaning that they cannot quickly react if an obstacle arises. Moreover, they often have earphones or headphones which does not allow them to be fully aware of their surroundings. They do not seem to be aware of traffic rules (other cyclists are also guilty of this) but how often have I seen e-bike riders not stopping at a red light, while I stopped and caught them soon after (in theory having an electric assistance would make it less stressful getting momentum after standstill considering vehicles waiting behind us). Finally, the bikes are quite big and they often leave them just in front of the doors of the restaurants they are collecting food from (e.g., Smashburger on Sauchiehall St).

I just wanted to share my experience as a former delivery rider and the bottom line is that I am happy to be done with that chapter of my life. I am glad an article has been written about it, however, I am not sure this will result in any major change. There are many visible signs that the riding behaviors of these e-bike riders are a hazard for other road users and pedestrians but despite being present for quite a while nothing has been done. The least I can hope is that the number of people injured remains as closer to 0.