Working lanes for working people

Did you know that an estimated 1 in 10 cycle journeys are taken by food delivery riders in London? These couriers are out there every day, zipping around London’s busy roads.

Some couriers do use bikes and e-bikes, but others choose faster, higher-emission vehicles like mopeds and motorbikes, sometimes because of the long hours they work and the pressure to make quick drop-offs.

This week, we published our new research report with the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), calling for safer routes, fairer pay, and better access to e-bikes for London’s couriers.

This isn’t just a climate issue either; motorbike and moped drivers are roughly 4 times more likely than other road users to be seriously injured, putting the safety of couriers at constant risk.

The stats from our survey back this up — over 60% of couriers said they feel unsafe on the roads, and a massive 80% told us they’d prefer protected cycle lanes or low-traffic routes if they could get them.

Shaf Hussain, a courier and Chair of IWGB’s Couriers and Logistics Branch, summed it up perfectly:

“The demands of this job mean we have to rush from one delivery to the next to make our pay worth it. The industry often prioritises profit over people, putting couriers’ safety at risk. We need better working conditions, higher pay, and safer transport options.”

Traffic reduction isn’t just a climate and health issue — it’s an equality issue too. London’s roads are already disproportionately dangerous for people from low-income and minority backgrounds, who face a higher risk of injury or death from traffic accidents. For couriers, many of whom come from these communities, that risk is even higher.

Most workers feel constantly in danger navigating the city’s busy roads. (1).png

One in 10 of London’s cyclists are food delivery riders (1).png

London’s food delivery drivers cover hundreds of km each year (1).png

Bicycles and motorbikes are the most popular modes of transport....png

Drivers choose these modes for their convenience and speed.png

More protected cycle lanes and low traffic routes are key to safety. (1).png

Many food delivery workers feel strongly about addressing the climate crisis, and toxic air. (1).png

What now?

We’re using our new report to push for positive action. Here are three practical things decision makers could do right now that would help couriers choose low-emissions vehicles.

We’re calling the government to introduce a scrappage scheme and a low-cost, government subsidised program to make e-bikes more affordable for couriers.
We’re asking for more protected cycle lanes and low-traffic routes so that couriers can get around safely without risking their lives.
With IWGB, we’re urging delivery companies to improve pay and working conditions for couriers, so that they don’t have to travel at unsafe speeds to make a living wage. It’s time to make London’s roads safer and cleaner — not just for the sake of the environment, but for the people who rely on them to make a living.

Are you with us?

At Possible, our vision is a zero carbon UK, built by and for everyone. We show people and politicians across the country that this is possible, and inspire practical action to make sure we get there at the speed required.

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