A new breed of bike messenger and deliverers would have to wear helmets and reflective vests under a City Council bill set to be introduced Wednesday.
Bicyclists working as contractors for on-demand companies like Uber would be affected by a law that requires restaurants and couriers to provide safety gear, vests with a business name, and safety training. These contract workers would also have to get an ID number and card with their photo.
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“I don’t think people know or care if it’s Uber or Joe’s Pizzeria, they want to make sure that they can see them, and I want to make sure that they’re all safe,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Queens), who wrote the original commercial bike law.
Uber, the popular car service app, also offers delivery and courier services under UberEATS and UberRUSH. But since it is not technically an employer, it’s been able to avoid safety and registration rules that traditional shops must follow.
“Small mom-and-pop stores, restaurants, cafes have to have these vests and helmets, but these larger corporations that work with independent contractors do not,” Van Bramer said. “So this legislation seeks to level the playing field.”
Uber has about 600 bicyclists for its courier and food delivery services.
“We support efforts to make the platform as safe as possible for bike messengers and look forward to reviewing the specifics of the bill,” Uber spokeswoman Alix Anfang said.
