Tasty advice for gig economy riders
Road safety officers from Brighton & Hove City Council, working in conjunction with Sussex Police, were on to pass on some great safety advice to gig economy riders in the city on National Young Rider Day (June 11).
The officers chatted informally to dozens of moped, scooter riders and sub-125cc bike riders about road safety, riding legally and responsibly and bike maintenance.
All the riders delivered food for the city's restaurants and takeaways.
The council wants riders to minimise the risks to themselves and others when travelling around the city and reduce incidents of illegal and anti-social riding, and the messages passed on were applicable to riders across the UK.
Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said:
"The gig economy is really valuable to the city, helping to deliver food and groceries to our residents and supporting our restaurants, takeaways and retailers.
"But, anecdotally and through complaints we've received, we know there are issues with safety and anti-social riding. It's vital riders keep themselves and others safe and businesses play their part in ensuring fair, reasonable and responsible working conditions for their delivery teams.
"By speaking and engaging with riders and retailers, we want to raise awareness of the risks and ensure people are riding safely and legally on our roads and cycle ways. They work hard in a busy and bustling city, but we want them to do so responsibly, safely and considerately."
PC Steve Bucksey, motorcycle casualty reduction officer, said the emphasis was on engagement and advice rather than enforcement.
"We recognise the vital service delivery riders provide in and around Brighton, and this engagement day is an opportunity for us to speak with riders and offer advice as well as listen to their perspectives.
"We aim to work collaboratively to reinforce crucial road safety messaging and address concerns around riding legally and anti-social riding.
"Our goal is for delivery riders to operate safely and responsibly in order to minimise any negative impact on residents and other road users.
"We take anti-social riding seriously, and are committed to investigating all reports as we continue to work towards improving road safety for road users, residents and visitors in the city."
Credit: petert2 - stock.adobe.com
