.Published: Saturday, June 8, 2024
BOSTON – A growing demand for fast food delivery has led to a small army of couriers and an increasing level of alarm in large cities. Scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds are zipping in and out of the traffic as they race their drivers to deliver salads and sandwiches.
Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. officials have begun cracking down against delivery companies. They’ve issued warning letters, seized illegally registered vehicles, and launched special street patrols for speed limit enforcement. This pushback has not been limited to the U.S. There have also a number of crackdowns taken place in London and other British Cities.
Delivery companies have committed to working with the city officials to ensure all drivers are operating legally and safely.
Boston officials wrote to DoorDash and Grubhub this week, citing an “alarming” increase in the illegal and dangerous operation by motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized scooters that put drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists “in immediate danger.”
The letter claimed that drivers were driving unregistered cars and violating traffic laws and warned about an impending crackdown. The letter also asked the companies to explain how they could ensure that their drivers were operating safely. Massachusetts State Police reported that they had identified dozens mopeds or scooters which were either improperly registered, or operated by drivers who did not have a license. In one Boston neighbourhood, 14 illegal mopeds or scooters were confiscated on Wednesday.
Authorities in New York City have confiscated 13,000 mopeds and scooters this year. On Wednesday, they destroyed more than 200 mopeds, and other delivery vehicles. Washington, D.C. authorities launched Operation Ride Right Wednesday to ensure that drivers of two-wheeled vehicle are following the law. Five arrests have been made and 17 mopeds have been impounded since the program began.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated Wednesday that motorized two-wheeled vehicles used for delivery had terrorized pedestrians. “Riders that think the rules do not apply to them will see an aggressive enforcement strategy in place.”
Most drivers chose to use cars for food delivery during the COVID-19 epidemic. This led to an increase in traffic, which prompted a shift towards motorcycles and two-wheeled vehicles.
Many of the drivers are immigrants, mostly from Latin America, but some are also from West Africa or South Asia. They say that they are only trying to make a living, and provide a service which gets food to customers quickly.
“We’re all right,” said Luis Lopez a Dominican Republic delivery driver who spoke with The Associated Press Friday on his motorcycle near the Boston Public Library, in a neighborhood of fast-food restaurants. “We work to pay rent, earn a living and send money to our families.”
Lopez, who arrived in the U.S. three years ago acknowledged that there are drivers driving vehicles without a license or registration. He has seen these drivers run red lights, drive onto sidewalks and threaten pedestrians. He said that some people are so reckless they put other delivery drivers in danger.
He told me he was one of 10 delivery drivers who were outside Chick-fil A on Thursday night, when a policeman approached them and handed out a flyer explaining how to register scooters and mopeds. The group unanimously agreed to register their scooters and mopeds.
He said in Spanish, “We must respect the law.” “We will respect the law, so they will let us work.”
The drivers of motorized two wheeled vehicles, like Uber and Lyft, are being scrutinized more closely because they can easily break traffic laws. Hilary Robinson is an associate professor at Northeastern University who specializes in law and sociology.
Robinson explained that the switch to vehicles was “really an attempt to provide low-wage and high-risk workers so we can all have cheap goods, services, and products.” It’s one of the main reasons people are beginning to understand that there is no free lunch.
William Medina is a New York delivery worker and leader of the Los Deliveristas Unidos Campaign. He blames delivery companies.
In a Friday telephone interview, he explained that the problem began because companies forced him to make long distance deliveries. Medina began delivering food by bicycle. He then switched to an electrical bike and is now using a motorbike to complete the longer trips.
He said, “You must complete the delivery if it is 6 or 7 miles away.”
Edward Flynn of the Boston City Council is among those who advocate for stronger enforcement. He said on Facebook, “It can no longer be Wild West on Boston’s streets.”
Everyone who uses city roads must follow the road rules. “If you can go 25 mph, you need to be insured, licensed and registered in case of accident or injury.” he wrote.
Boston residents support tougher measures against scooters.
Anne Kirby, 25, a student in Boston who was having lunch within a few hundred yards of several scooters said: “I’m frustrated when they don’t follow the traffic law.” “I feel as if I’m almost hit every day by people who go through the crossing when it isn’t their turn to go.”
Jaia Samuel was more confused. She is a 25 year old hospital worker in Boston. She acknowledged that delivery scooters are dangerous but also admitted that she relies heavily upon delivery services to get her food.
She said, “I think it is unsafe in a certain way. The weaving between cars and not stopping at red lights.” “But I think that everyone should be able make a living. So who am I to tell anyone anything?” I would regret it. The crackdown would hurt me. I order a great deal of Uber Eats and DoorDash.”
Three major food delivery companies have committed to working with officials and neighborhood activists to resolve the issue.
“The vast majority of Dashers are good drivers and they follow the rules just like any other driver.” DoorDash released a statement on Wednesday saying that if they do not, they will face the same consequences as everyone else.
Grubhub’s employees have already agreed to follow all local traffic laws. While the police are best suited to enforce the law, the company takes safety very seriously and will act on any reports of unsafe drivers.
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This report was contributed by Associated Press writers Michael Warren from Decatur, Georgia and Lisa J. Adams Wagner from Evans, Georgia.