For many consumers the convenience of grocery delivery services is invaluable – no more lengthy trips to the shops and with winter around the corner, being able to stay snug at home while your food is delivered at your doorstep.
However, the flip side of the industry that boomed over the last three years has recently seen an outcry from motorists protesting about what they call the “cowboy-style” driving of motorcycle delivery guys.
While views differ, the majority of a group of about 50 readers TygerBurger engaged with is of the opinion that these bikes are increasingly becoming a danger on local roads.
Impatient
Martin Booker says the industry is being propelled by the convenience it offers.
“People have become too comfortable at home. Yes, these drivers are irresponsible, but if its cold or rainy we phone in an order and expect speedy delivery, even getting impatient if they are five minutes late. The stores who use them greatly contribute to the problem.”
Yolanda van der Westhuizen adds to Booker’s comment saying they are being misused by the grocery chains as competition among food retailers is rife.
“They are forced to drive fast in order to get more trips and more tips. I think they should rather be encouraged by their employers to drive safely and be rewarded for this,” she says.
Hettie Swanepoel agrees saying they “drive like the devil is chasing them”.
In his opinion, Anton van Zyl says they are “taxis on two wheels”, while Alvo Kotze doubts that drivers and vehicle licenses are checked by the authorities.
Many other residents TygerBurger spoke to say delivery bikes are often seen driving on pavements to avoid traffic lights, don’t stop at stop signs and weave dangerously through the traffic.
Accidents
Carla Lourens-Ferreira from CMAX Security services says they often respond to accidents involving motorcycle delivery guys knocked off their bikes.
“In most cases we note that their motorbikes’ brakes or indictors are not in working order and the bike in a bad condition. I understand that they work to put food on the table but I feel the shops they work for have to inspect the condition of the bikes regularly and put industry standards into place to increase road safety for drivers and other motorists,” she told TygerBurger.
Annemare Buitendag says her daughter’s car was a write-off after a collision with a delivery bike.
“He sped right in front of her on the left while she was busy turning left.”
Johan Wepener says he sees accidents involving delivery bikes almost on a daily basis.
“It is ridiculous. My daughter’s car was damaged by this wild west driving.”
Elize Beukes Mills says a driver drove into the back of her son’s car while he was looking on his cellphone. “The driver had no insurance, we had to claim from our insurance.”
A member of the City’s safety and security portfolio committee Rhynard Bresler says the matter needs to be looked at more closely as more accidents occur.
“According to information I received, I doubt that all delivery drivers have actual motorbike driving licenses as it is permitted to ride a bike over 125cc with a Code 1 learners license. In a recent incident on Saxdown Road, a delivery bike tried to overtake and raced into the curbside. The bike skidded across the road after which the driver got up and ran away.”
Industry responds
In response to a media inquiry a spokesperson for the Shoprite Group said the company has a unique partnership with its delivery drivers that are empowered.
“Checkers Sixty60 orders are serviced from stores closest to customers, while the delivery service has been outsourced to Pingo, the Group’s 50/50 joint venture with RTT On-Demand that currently contracts to about 4 000 drivers,” says a media spokesperson for the group.
According to the group contracted drivers possess valid driver’s licenses, undergo comprehensive practical driving skills assessments through accredited driver assessors and have access to third party and personal protection insurance.
“Drivers receive extensive training covering a wide spectrum of aspects including advanced driving skills, defensive driving techniques, safety protocols and accident procedures, and anti-hijacking driving techniques. Support to drivers includes in-field operations teams, regional workshop facilities and a central support team. Applications for owner operators are open to all. Appointments are made from suitably qualified applicants in possession of the necessary licenses and are based on merit.
“[However), we are concerned about the complaints highlighted and our Sixty60 team will be reiterating the importance of driving disciplines with the respective driving teams again to improve any shortcomings.”
“The importance of safe driving disciplines is continuously reiterated with the various driving teams to improve any shortcomings that drivers may have and members of the public who wish to compliment good or report bad driving behaviour can do so via 0800 006 060,” the group stated.
Drivers talk frankly
Several delivery drivers TygerBurger spoke to, on condition that their identities be protected, say its a tough job, but they “don’t have a choice”.
“We work the operation hours of the particular shop we deliver for. I work a 12-hour shift from 08:00 to 20:00, five days a week. The more deliveries I get, the more I pay,” he says.
This driver is paid R35 per trip, with tips being very scarce. On a busy day he does about 15 trips, and on quieter days about nine.
“We face many dangers on the road like taxi drivers and also fear hijacking and robberies; its tough sometimes, but its our living and we are happy to have this job.”
He, like other drivers rents-to-buy his bike from his employer.
Another driver says he is aware off the accidents involving delivery bikes, and acknowledges that drivers are sometimes guilty of speeding and bad driving.
“But we try to do better. I myself, I don’t drive 100%, I know it but the bottom line is, I have to deliver fast.”
Other food retailers approached for comment did not respond by the lime of going to print.
