A Toronto councillor thinks delivery drivers on motorized bikes and scooters should require identifiers, and some resident’s don’t agree.
University-Rosedale Coun. Dianne Saxe issued a motion on March 29 claiming that some delivery drivers are using sidewalks, speeding on the road and creating safety hazards for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The motion was seconded by Don Valley North Coun. Shelley Carroll.
“A minority of (motorized) couriers create safety hazards for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users by flagrantly ignoring traffic rules, travelling at high speeds and riding on sidewalks,” Saxe’s motion reads.
Additionally, she said those who break the rules of the road can be more easily tracked down by police if they have a licence plate.
“It is difficult to identify and locate offenders. This creates a culture of impunity, which further encourages illegal and hazardous behaviour.”
Uber Eats, one of the biggest online food ordering and delivery platforms, told Now Toronto that all of its drivers are expected to follow the law.
“When someone signs up to be a delivery person with Uber, they agree to knowing and obeying all applicable laws including the rules of road,” the company said in an email statement.
“As independent workers, delivery people are able to choose how they want to complete deliveries.”
Many residents have taken to social media to share their thoughts and opinions regarding the motion.
“Gig workers sometimes making $2/trip are “terrifying pedestrians “,”hogging” e-bikes. The contempt TO and @DianneSaxe have for hard-working, racialized folks bringing people food and groceries, is abhorrent. How about asking for better bike lanes?!,” one Twitter user wrote.
“What if they were required to be paid a high enough wage that they didn’t need to barrel carelessly through the city to make ends meet?” another said.
Other residents cited dangerous road conditions as the biggest factor for why scooter and bike users use the sidewalk.
The motion was referred to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee which is set to meet on Apr. 26.
