Bicycle couriers in York have asked that a ban on cycling on pedestrianised city centre streets be relaxed on the grounds that it is making their deadlines impossible to hit. "York's restaurants are relying on us,” argued a union representative.
York Press reports that cycling is not permitted on most of York's pedestrianised streets.
However, Cristian Santabarbara, of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), says this isn’t factored into employers’ algorithms and so couriers risk losing pay for arriving at customers' homes late.
Speaking at a council meeting, Santabarbara said that he and others faced, "a real choice between a fixed penalty notice or destitution," and he asked if access could therefore be given to Blake Street, Coney Street and Lendal.
Various delivery companies provide work via apps, but workers say they can be blocked from these platforms for issues that are out of their control.
“There is a presumption of guilt on the courier,” said Santabarbara. “We aren’t supported at all, or given any opportunity to explain our side of issues.”
Emphasising the value of the role played by couriers, he said: "In regular times our work contributes to about one third of a restaurant's revenue. In lockdown, we contribute significantly more.
"York's restaurants are relying on us. That revenue is generated literally off our backs. Bicycle couriers contribute significantly to their ability to pay wages, rent and keep going."
Santabarbara also highlighted the range of products cycle couriers were delivering during lockdown.
“We’re frontline key workers,” he said. “We’re now delivering from pharmacies, plus essential groceries and hot food to people who can’t leave their homes.”
A council meeting about the request to lift the cycling ban for couriers was due to take place earlier this week.
I have one of those retro rim-brake bikes too! What make are your wheels? Do you find the 60mm tricky in winds?
The infrasturture needs to be built first. Why would anyone swap to a bike unless they felt it was a safe alternative?...
Exactly the same happened to me a while back at the gym. Didn't know whether to be proud or embarassed!
Hmm, a four year old article on when to change worn out articles.
Oban Sportive entered for mid-May but not optimistic. The organisers have been very open about their September contingency plan. ...
Just... don't even think about it....
Looking at the reaction from the car, I suspect the driver was making sure they didn't hit anything on their left and didn't see the cyclist at all...
There's a few parked cars in it too in the video, making it unusable. Strange that many drivers would then have a go at the cyclist for not using a...
I ride in the new Forest, both on and off road. I have never seen groups of cyclists travelling at speed or being abusive. I have only ever seen...
That's really sad.....