Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
This article was published on March 4th, 2019
There are currently thousands of cyclists across the UK who have turned their hobby into a career, utilising their leg power to deliver takeaway food to hungry customers who are looking to enjoy the varying delights of world cuisine from the comfort of their own home.
Whether a cyclist delivering takeaway food is employed by Deliveroo, UberEats, JustEat or any other takeaway delivery service, one thing is certain, each cyclist will face similar dangers each time they head out on a delivery.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips and gear that every takeaway delivery rider needs before they head out to work.
Whilst we hope that no cyclist out on a delivery (or any cyclist come to that) is involved in an accident, unfortunately, some cyclists will be involved in a road traffic accident at some point. In 2016 over 18,000 cyclists were reportedly injured
That is why our app – Takeaway Delivery Assist, is an essential piece of gear. It’s free to download from Google Play or the Apple App Store and it allows you to launch a compensation claim seamlessly with our team here at Thorneycroft Solicitors.
Because we realise that time is precious for takeaway delivery cyclists, we’ve ensured that the app gives takeaway delivery cyclists everything they need to log details relating to the accident, including images of the scene, in the palm of their hand.
You can learn all about the Takeaway Delivery Assist app and how to download it by clicking here.
It goes without saying, a helmet is an investment that could literally save your life and should be an integral part of any takeaway delivery cyclist’s gear when they head out to work.
Illustrating just how important a helmet can be, Headway – the brain injury association highlight a study which revealed that wearing a cycle helmet can reduce the risk of a serious brain injury by almost 70 per cent and it can also reduce the risk of suffering a fatal head injury by 65 per cent.
There are a host of helmet options to suit any type of cycling style and any budget. It’s always wise to make sure you own a high-vis helmet cover, this will help keep your head dry as well as making you more visible. If you really want to be seen then there are also helmets with built-in lights and indicators, although these do come at an increased cost.
Whether it’s winter with cold, wet and windy nights are inevitable or it’s a brisk spring evening. If you’re out delivering food on a bike, it’s essential you stay warm and dry.
Research has shown that the cold can drastically impact a person’s reaction times so make sure your reflective clothing will not only make you visible to other road users but will keep you warm and ready for action when you receive your next delivery.
The minimum piece of reflective clothing that you should invest in is a high-vis jacket. These types of jackets are often windproof and ensuring your upper body is reflective gives those around you the best possible chance of spotting you.
Other reflective gear can be found to increase your visibility including ankle straps, leggings and gloves.
Whether you’re out on a delivery in the depths of winter or you’re putting the pedal down at the height of summer, lights can play a vital role in helping you stay safe when you’re cycling to your next takeaway delivery destination.
A large part of remaining safe on the road whilst out on a delivery is being seen and noticed by other road traffic. Blinking lights with a high luminosity are perfect for attracting the attention of motorists whether they’re in front or behind you. Lights are particularly essential at night in scenarios that require you to filter through the traffic, such as when you reach traffic lights or a junction.
When looking for lights make sure you choose lights that have a high lumen count as these are the brightest lights. Also, make sure that you choose a light that will last as long as possible so that you’ll be safe in the knowledge that the lights won’t go out whilst you’re working.
Much like those who deliver food using a car, you might not always know the way to the house where the takeaway order is to be delivered.
Phone holsters or caddies may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re considering your safety on a bike, but in a takeaway delivery rider’s day, they can prove invaluable.
Carrying your phone and looking at it increases your risk of being involved in a cycling accident and you should never try to do it. Instead, invest in a phone caddie, this will allow you to keep both hands firmly on the handlebars and reduce some of the distractions that can arise when you look at your phone whilst on the move.
If you’re planning a long shift, you’ll be using up your mobile phone’s battery juice pretty quickly. As we’ve already highlighted, your mobile phone is an essential part of keeping you safe and is a piece of kit that ensures you can do your job efficiently and so keeping the battery going when you’re on a long shift can be tough.
In the event of an accident, they’ll also be the means you have to contact the emergency services as well as starting your personal injury claim via Takeaway Delivery Assist.
Investing in a portable charger will mean you’re ready for when the dreaded low battery notification strikes.
If you are involved in an accident whilst working as a food delivery rider, we’re here to help. Our expert team have a wealth of experience in handling cycling injury claims and place your recovery at the forefront of the entire claim process.
By using the Takeaway Delivery Assist app at the scene of your accident, you can provide us with information about your accident that could prove invaluable when you instruct us to pursue your claim for compensation.
When our clients instruct us we immediately begin gathering all the evidence needed to build the strength of your claim, whilst also working with some of the country’s leading medical professionals and charitable organisations in a bid to ensure our clients receive the best possible rehabilitative treatment and care for any injuries they may have suffered.
If you would like to learn more about how you can benefit from using Takeaway Delivery Assist or want to know how you can download it for free, please click here.
Alternatively, if you’d like to discuss a potential claim with a member of our team, please call us for free today on 0800 1979 345 or request a call back by completing our online enquiry form by clicking here.