According to unconfirmed reports, delivery bike riders are facing a new and deadly threat on the roads. Recently, medics have responded to several incidents where riders were killed while on deliveries. it is believed criminals are positioning thin cables across roadways slightly above shoulder level which causes severe injuries, and often death, to riders passing through these areas.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says while it is known that delivery bike riders are increasingly becoming targets of criminals for their bikes, this particular modus operandi has not received adequate attention. “Riders need to be made aware of the increased danger faced while on duty.
“What is particularly difficult about targeting riders in this way is that it can be extremely difficult to spot the danger. Additionally, while MasterDrive can advise drivers to stay off the road at night whenever possible, riders, especially food delivery riders, derive an income from this and avoiding night driving is not feasible. Unfortunately, while there is no absolute way to protect oneself from this threat, risk can be reduced,” says Herbert.
- Avoid dimly lit areas wherever possible – even if an alternative route is longer take the extra time (and safety) this route offers.
- Adjust your speed. Avoid speeding and slow down even more in a dimly lit or high-crime areas to increase your chance of seeing wires or other obstacles.
- Ride behind vehicles. Criminals leave the wire un-tensioned while four-wheel vehicles pass and wait until the bike comes before they ‘stretch’ it across the riders’ path. Travelling behind a vehicle provides an extra degree of safety and should the driver see something and consequently react to it, this can be a warning something ahead is amiss.
- Avoid a one-track mind. Do not place all your concentration on getting to your destination as quickly as possible but rather as safely as possible. In other words, as soon as you are on the road be aware of what is around you and of potential dangers lurking ahead.
- If you notice something, say something. If you see suspicious people along the roadside or have a near-miss encounter alert authorities immediately.
- Undertake training. This helps increase awareness levels and builds your ability to take evasive action.
- Be roadworthy. Dim lights or tyres in disrepair can make the difference in a life-or-death situation.
Along with riders protecting their personal safety, organisations making use of these riders also need to take this threat seriously. “This includes ensuring riders are trained to manage every situation encountered on the road and making sure bikes are subjected to regular roadworthy checks. Delivery bike fleet owners must ensure bikes have head and taillights that work properly or even upgrade them or add additional lighting.
“As drivers sharing the road with delivery bike riders, remember the difficulties they face and be patient and considerate of them as equal road users. Each person in society has a responsibility to do whatever possible to help riders not become victims of this horrific crime,” says Herbert.
To read more on how to share the road for delivery bike riders, follow this link to read a special edition article on ‘Dying for a delivery.’
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