"Urban Mobility and Safety: Traffic Risks for Migrant Food Delivery Workers in Romania. Case Study: Cluj-Napoca Municipality "

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the gig economy, particularly within the food delivery sector, has transformed urban mobility and employment landscapes globally. This study examines traffic incidents involving food delivery riders from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh operating in Romania from 2017 to 2023. The research employs a mixed-method approach, using traffic incident records from the Romanian Traffic Police Directorate and a comprehensive survey conducted among delivery riders in Cluj-Napoca. The findings reveal a significant increase in traffic incidents, with notable fluctuations correlating with changes in behaviour and operational dynamics influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key factors contributing to incidents include rider misconduct, inappropriate speed for road conditions, and high-pressure working environments. The study highlights the unsafe working conditions and elevated occupational risks faced by these gig economy workers, exacerbated by job demands and limited resources. The results advise policy recommendations aimed at improving the safety and working conditions of food delivery riders, emphasizing the need for enhanced educational campaigns, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and infrastructure improvements.