Delivery Riders Research Articles

Exploring the Factors Influencing Car Drivers' Perception and Crash Probability with Food Delivery Riders

Motorcycle food delivery riders (MFDR) face significant crash risks and some of these crashes are attributed to other vehicle drivers. This paper assesses drivers’ perceptions and observed riding behaviors of MFDRs, through a survey, and analyses driver factors that increase MFDR crash risk. Drivers indicated that MFDRs exhibited reckless riding (tailgating, filtering, and weaving), and drivers’ demographics, driving characteristics, and personality traits anger affected these observations. Personality trait anger influenced fault identified in a crash and motorcycle riding perception while driver demographics had a minor effect on the perceptions. Drivers’ motorcycle riding experience affected the understanding of MFDR behaviors and perception. Driver’s age, employment, motorcycle riding experience, violations, emotional state while driving (hurry), observed MFDR violations factor score, and motorcycle riding perception affected crash probability. The results could be used to develop strategies to promote traffic safety in mixed environments by providing motorcycle riding behavior awareness and improving driver training.

Exploring Asymmetric Gender-Based Satisfaction of Delivery Riders in Real-Time Crowdsourcing Logistics Platforms

This study investigates gender-based differences in the satisfaction ranking of riders on real-time crowdsourcing logistics platforms, using online reviews from the Ele.me platform. Quantitative methods, including the frequency ratio-based Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTS), and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), were applied to analyze satisfaction differences between men and women riders. The findings reveal an asymmetric pattern in satisfaction preferences: women riders place more emphasis on perceived value, while men riders prioritize service perceived quality. Although both groups rank platform image, product perceived quality, and rider expectations similarly, the importance of these factors varies significantly, indicating an underlying asymmetry in their expectations and values. Women riders express higher satisfaction with platform image, rider expectations, service perceived quality, and product perceived quality, with rider expectations showing the largest difference. Additionally, the multi-criteria decision-making methods used in this study offer insights for optimizing service performance in real-time crowdsourcing logistics platforms, particularly in handling uncertainty and enhancing system adaptability through fuzzy sets. These findings provide a basis for developing gender-specific strategies aimed at enhancing rider satisfaction, minimizing turnover, and improving platform adaptability—contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable logistics supply chain.

Microscale urban heat variability and time-location patterns: Elevated exposure for bikers and rickshaw drivers beyond average city temperatures in megacity

Urban heat island effect creates diverse microclimates, influencing heat exposure and consequent health effects. Study measured heat exposure among delivery riders within their microclimate, comparing it with city's average temperature. We investigated how higher exposure affects work, health, and productivity of riders.For 21 days in winter and summer, we measured heat exposure during peak hours (under sun and shade) in riders' immediate environment, at seven high-traffic routes in Karachi, Pakistan. Recorded temperature were compared with city's ambient air temperature. In-depth interviews were conducted to assess the impacts on riders' health, welfare, and productivity.During winter, temperature was 5.0 °C higher under sun and 1.6 °C higher under shade, as compared to city average recorded temperatures. In summer temperature was 5.5 °C higher under sun and 1.8 °C higher in shade as compare to recorded city's average air temperature. Riders reported exhaustion, reduced productivity, income loss, and negative impacts on social wellbeing during hot days. For mitigation riders relied on strategies like staying hydrated and taking breaks from work under shades. Study demonstrated higher exposure to heat for riders in megacity as compare to city's recorded temperature. This led to reduced productivity and income losses, emphasizing need for urgent initiatives to safeguard riders' well-being.

The Effects of Depression and Anxiety on Oral Symptoms in Delivery Riders: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Somatic Symptoms

The Effects of Depression and Anxiety on Oral Symptoms in Delivery Riders: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Somatic Symptoms

Occupational Safety and Health of Riders Working for Digital Food Delivery Platforms in the City of Milan, Italy.

The rapid growth of the digital economy has transformed various labor markets, including the food sector. The transient nature and the peculiar work environments of food delivery workers raise concerns about occupational safety and health (OSH). This study aims to better understand these issues by conducting a comprehensive exploratory survey on OSH among food delivery riders in Milan, Italy. The study employed structured interviews based on a validated questionnaire developed through a literature review, expert interviews, and input from riders and health and safety professionals. The survey was performed from July to November 2022 by interviewing riders at their main gathering points. We interviewed 240 riders, 97% males, 81% less than 35 years old, and 83% with extra-European origin. Delivery was performed mainly by traditional bicycles (40%) and e-bikes (46%), with 44% working seven days per week and 23% working more than 8 hours daily. Road accidents were reported by 39% of riders, influenced by type of vehicle, fatigue, and number of daily deliveries. Physical and verbal assaults (12% and 28%, respectively) were reported, as well as health-related issues, particularly musculoskeletal disorders. The findings underscore food delivery riders' complex challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. The study calls for collaborative efforts between policymakers, employers, OSH professionals, and stakeholders to enhance OSH standards and promote decent working conditions, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Directing innovation through confrontation and democratisation: the case of platform cooperativism

ABSTRACT Technological innovation can serve a multitude of conflicting and diverse interests, often reflecting prevailing worldviews and ideologies. This article focuses on the shaping of innovation directionality in the context of digital platform capitalism, which has emerged as a powerful innovation paradigm. Simultaneously, digital platforms have sparked significant concerns regarding labour rights, economic inequalities, and injustices. We investigate the strategies of resistance, appropriation, and re-direction of digital platform technology in the case of CoopCycle, a food delivery riders’ platform cooperative. The case consists of a digital platform co-owned and governed by a federation of 70 rider cooperatives worldwide. The case study reveals that, under certain conditions, existing and well-established innovation pathways might be steered in different and more responsible directions through contestation and experimentation driven by social demands for equality, democracy and participation.

Evaluating the Crash Risk and Traffic Offenses of Motorized Two-Wheelers: A Study Specific to Food Delivery Riders

Food delivery riders (FDRs) rely on motorized two-wheelers that are innately unstable, resulting in safety risks. FDRs perform several traffic violations because of delivery time restrictions that result in concern for road safety. In this study, the available Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ) is modified by considering the opinion of focus groups, to study the riding behavior of FDRs using a sample of 431 participants. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor solution loaded with 31 items. This research emphasizes that the risky behavior of FDRs is influenced by surrounding traffic and the road environment, in addition to their individual riding behavior. The self-reported crash, near crash, and traffic offenses data of FDRs showed a higher variance when compared with the mean (i.e., over-dispersed). Therefore, the relationship between the target variables—crash in past year, near crash in past year, and penalized traffic offenses in past year—and MRBQ factor scores were established using negative binomial regression analysis. Negative binomial regression analysis shows that the surrounding traffic factor has the highest incidence rate ratio, proving it to be the most significant predictor of crash risk for FDRs in addition to their own aberrant riding behavior. Based on this research, the enforcement of road safety policies can be effective in reducing aberrant riding behavior performed by FDRs such as traffic violation. The risky driving behavior of surrounding traffic can be properly dealt with by imposing hefty penalties and strict enforcement measures, and by spreading awareness.

Combining Freedom and Flexibility with Security: Translating platform workers’ desires into law. The case of food delivery riders in the Netherlands

Combining Freedom and Flexibility with Security: Translating platform workers’ desires into law. The case of food delivery riders in the Netherlands

Major injuries and associated factors in traffic accidents among motorcycle food delivery riders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand

Motorcycle food delivery riders (MFDRs) are at a higher risk of traffic accidents compared to regular motorcyclists. Their safety is a significant issue in many developing countries, particularly in Thailand, which has the highest rate of motorcyclist fatalities globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of traffic accidents and explore the association between risky riding behaviors, concerns for working conditions, and accidents among MFDRs. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Data were collected from a total of 709 MFDRs through an online platform. Collected data included working conditions, risky riding behaviors, concerns about their work conditions, and experience with traffic accidents. In the past six months, the incidence of traffic accidents among MFDRs was 18.9 %., with 2.4 % experiencing hospitalized major injuries, 11.4 % having non-hospitalized major injuries, and 5.1 % having minor injuries. A total of 84.3 % of MFDRs exhibited at least one risky riding behavior, while 5.8 % engaged in ten or more such behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustments for sex, age, and body mass index indicates that red-light running (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 2.78, 95 % CI 1.07 to 7.21) and being concerned for customer behaviors (aOR 2.66, 95 % CI 1.26 to 5.62) were significantly associated with major injuries. Additionally, factors such as sleeping less than 6 h per day (aOR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.10 to 2.56), riding the wrong way (aOR 2.49, 95 % CI 1.12 to 5.52), and having concern for customer behaviors (aOR 1.91, 95 % CI 1.03 to 3.55) were associated with total number of accidents. Red-light running and concerns for customer behavior in MFDRs are associated with a higher risk of traffic accidents with major injuries. Effective strategies and interventions should focus on strengthening the enforcement of traffic risk behaviors and encouraging food delivery companies to establish regulations relating to the workers’ concerns.

“Our Privacy Needs to be Protected Equally as Everybody's”—A Preliminary Study of Crowdsourced Delivery Riders' Privacy Concerns in China

ABSTRACTDelivery riders belong to crowd workers in the gig economy, representing a vulnerable group. Their privacy concerns and protection have not been duly investigated. To address this research problem, we surveyed to examine the issue of crowdsourced delivery riders' privacy concerns in China. It was found that these riders had often experienced privacy breaches and expressed major privacy concerns, such as the leakage of facial recognition information and contact details. Moreover, they lacked sufficient awareness of the Crowdwork platform's surveillance and knowledge of the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) in China. It is suggested that PIPL target vulnerable groups in addition to the general public, and privacy research in Human‐Computer Interaction (HCI) in China should focus on vulnerable populations like crowdsourced delivery riders.

Adaptive incentive mechanism with predictors for on-time attended home delivery problem

The widespread use of the Internet and smart devices has led to a fast growth in online shopping, offering new chances for online retailers to boost profits. However, this expansion has also brought various challenges, such as the heavy workload faced by delivery riders. To meet customers’ delivery time preferences and increase earnings, riders often work long hours, especially during busy periods. This study explores how historical delivery data can be used to balance workload in on-time attended home delivery. Drawing on the actual delivery operations and data of an online shopping platform, we propose a framework that combines delivery demand and customer behavior predictors with an adaptive incentive system to balance rider workload. Specifically focusing on same-day attended home delivery, we introduce a method to forecast future delivery demand, an algorithm to estimate customer choice behavior using a simple model, and an adaptive incentive system to influence customer decisions and achieve workload balance. We show that as order volume increases, the proposed incentive system achieves the pre-determined workload target. Using real data, we conduct numerical experiments which not only underscore the superior predictive performance of our models but also affirm the efficacy of the proposed incentive structure.

Stress and work-related accidents among food delivery riders in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Stress and work-related accidents among food delivery riders in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Motives for Tipping Behaviour towards Food Delivery Riders: A Perspective from Malaysian Consumers

Tipping is a form of gratitude in which patrons pay extra money to service personnel for excellent service. It often accounts for 15-20% of the entire bill. Tipping customs differ for each country; therefore, it's crucial to understand local practices. Customer tips are given to airport porters, baristas, bartenders, bellmen, busboys, concierges, courtesy van drivers, croupiers, doormen, golf caddies, hotel maids, parking valets, sommeliers, taxicab and delivery drivers, tour guides and servers. According to past research, there are limited studies that focus on tipping food delivery riders or drivers. Thus, this study examines the motives for tipping behaviour toward food delivery riders. Convenience sampling was used, and data from up to 384 were obtained through online survey questionnaires and were analysed using SPSS software. Food delivery consumers who are experienced in giving tips to the food delivery rider are the target respondents of this research. This research will focus on the relationship between the motives variables, which include the weather (1), sympathy (2), autonomy (3), and better service (4) with the tipping practice. The findings of the analysis suggest that the four variables above have a significant relationship with tipping practice. Future research aimed to determine whether and how tipping behaviour changed among individuals who continued eating out by ordering delivery and takeaway meals.

Questioning penalties and road safety Policies: Are they enough to deter risky motorcyclist Behavior?

Reducing risky behaviors and traffic violations is crucial for preventing road trauma among private and commercial motorcyclists. While legal interventions such as road rules and police enforcement have been somewhat effective, there is a gap in understanding how motorcyclists perceive these deterrents and the psycho-social factors influencing their effectiveness. This research aims to explore the interplay between motorcyclists’ psycho-social predispositions and their responses to legal interventions. It also compares two distinct groups of riders - private and commercial motorcyclists - within the urban environment of Da Nang, Vietnam, providing a nuanced consideration of the influence of work-related impacts on risky behavior, which can enable targeted interventions. We propose a theoretical model integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Deterrence Theory to analyze how psycho-social and punitive factors influence riders’ traffic violations. A total of 423 delivery riders and 411 private riders in Da Nang participated in the study. The results show that attitude, perceived behavioral control, and perceptions of deterrence significantly impact riders’ intentions to engage in risky behaviors, with delivery riders being particularly responsive to law enforcement and penalties. To enhance policy effectiveness, interventions should employ tailored enforcement strategies that account for the unique motivations and perceptions of each rider group. For example, increasing the visibility and consistency of law enforcement could be particularly impactful for delivery riders, who are more sensitive to immediate deterrents. Policy adjustments should also focus on reshaping riders’ attitudes toward safety and adjusting their perceived control over riding situations. By tailoring interventions to effectively influence each group’s behavior, we can ultimately reduce traffic incidents.

The Impact of Food Delivery Riders’ Perception of Fairness on Organizational Identification in the Digital Economy: Based on the Intermediary Perspective of Organizational Trust in the Context of Digital Technology

With the rapid rise in the gig economy driven by advancements in digital technology and financial technology, this study focuses on the work experiences and psychological perceptions of food delivery riders in platform-based employment. This study used a sample of food delivery riders from 19 cities in China (such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, etc.) and multiple delivery platforms (such as Meituan, Ele.me) to collect data through a combination of online and offline questionnaires. The impact relationship between perceived fairness, organizational trust, and organizational identity of food delivery riders was examined through factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and mediation effect modeling. The results of the survey and statistical analysis indicate that fairness perception and its dimensions (distributive fairness, procedural fairness, and interactional fairness) significantly influence riders’ organizational identification, with organizational trust serving as a critical mediating factor. The integration of digital technology has substantially enhanced the operational efficiency of platform-based employment by enabling real-time tracking, transparent communication, and data-driven decision-making. Innovations in financial technology, such as digital payment systems and financial management tools, offer riders safer and more convenient compensation methods, thereby contributing to their financial stability and fostering trust in the platform. The establishment of trust alleviates the riders’ concerns regarding compensation stability and bolsters their optimistic attitudes toward accessing platform resources and meeting their needs. This study provides significant insights and recommendations for leveraging digital technology and financial technology to improve the relationship and operational efficiency between riders and platform enterprises.

A Daily Diary Study of Perceived Algorithmic Control and Delivery Riders’ Multitasking Performance

A Daily Diary Study of Perceived Algorithmic Control and Delivery Riders’ Multitasking Performance

Crafting Identities in Platform Work:Interactions and (Dis) Identification Among Food Delivery Riders

Crafting Identities in Platform Work:Interactions and (Dis) Identification Among Food Delivery Riders

A tripartite evolutionary game study on the governance of online catering riders’ traffic violations from the perspective of collaborative regulation

ABSTRACT In the online catering industry, delivery riders’ traffic violations significantly threaten public transportation safety, inadequately addressed by current regulations from the government and online platforms. This paper proposes a government-led collaborative regulatory mechanism with active platform participation. A tripartite evolutionary game model, including the government, platforms, and riders, evaluates this approach. Findings suggest that collaborative regulation forms when the combined start-up and subsidy costs of government-led regulation are less than the total benefits of collaboration and when the cost difference between active and passive platform participation is less than the total benefit of active participation. Effective regulation occurs when combined penalties for riders’ violations exceed the profit difference between illegal and compliant deliveries. Reducing government regulation start-up costs and increasing penalties and enforcement probabilities can promote compliance among riders. Excessive subsidies to platforms do not effectively control violations, indicating the need for balanced subsidy allocation for optimal regulatory effectiveness.

Platform Training and Learning by Doing and Gig Workers’ Incomes: Empirical Evidence From China’s Food Delivery Riders

Platform Training and Learning by Doing and Gig Workers’ Incomes: Empirical Evidence From China’s Food Delivery Riders

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

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.