New Safety Training for Delivery Workers

App companies are legally required to provide safety equipment and monitor completion of new safety training

The mandatory training launched by NYC DOT educates delivery workers on bicycle safety, workers’ rights, battery charging safety, and traffic laws

NYC DOT is taking to hold delivery app companies accountable for the worker, traffic, and fire safety impacts of their business model. With roughly 400,000 bike deliveries made every day across the city, the agency sent a letter to the app companies reminding them of their responsibility to provide workers with safety equipment, including helmets and high-visibility vests, and asking them to engage collaboratively with NYC DOT in raising worker awareness of a new safety training launched today. 

The training is called “Do You Deliver?” and is required for all bicycle and e-bike delivery workers to learn about the rules of the road, workers’ rights, and safe riding tips. The training was updated in response to a law passed by the City Council and is accessible online in five languages. Once completed, delivery workers receive a digital certificate from NYC DOT, which they can share directly with employers. The agency is encouraging all delivery workers to take the training, which includes new content on e-bike riding and battery charging safety, and plans to conduct an extensive outreach campaign to delivery workers and advocates.

NYC DOT will oversee compliance and implement the education program in partnership with delivery worker advocates to ensure that training is completed and workers’ rights are protected in the process. The agency will additionally kick off a month-long on-street outreach campaign to inform delivery workers of the training course and their rights to safety equipment.