In countries like the UK, most food delivery workers use bicycles – it’s gradually catching on in Cyprus

By Jonathan Shkurko

Food delivery has undergone a radical shift in the past two years, its popularity skyrocketing since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. What was before a rare occasion has for many become the norm.

Along with people’s eating habits, the method of delivery is also changing.

At the height of the pandemic, the food delivery riders declared themselves the kings of the road as they whizzed through empty streets on their mopeds while the rest of us were in lockdown. With roads now packed again, traffic lights are often clogged with delivery mopeds especially around lunchtime and dinnertime.

feature jon for the time being, mopeds remain the most common form of delivery

For the time being, mopeds remain the most common form of delivery

However, although still the most popular food delivery method, alternatives to motorbikes have started appearing.

Although not yet widespread as in other countries like the UK and US – where bicycle fast-food deliveries reign supreme – the bicycle delivery trend has hit Cyprus. Wolt and Foody, arguably the most popular food delivery apps on the island, have already committed to the new method, although the latter will only start sending out riders on bikes in the coming months.

“It’s a very positive development for the food delivery industry,” Yorgos Thoma, a spokesman for Foody told the Sunday Mail.

The company, which was launched in September 2015, is now owned by Delivery Hero, a global delivery platform present in over 30 countries worldwide.

“Delivery Hero is already committed to the growing trend of riders on bicycles and Cyprus makes no exception. We are prepared to make a change in the way we deliver our food,” Thoma said.

He added, however, that the company will still employ riders on mopeds and that bicycles will only be used for deliveries within a shorter radius from the restaurant in question.

“It makes more sense to make short deliveries by bike instead of using a moped. First of all, it is easier to handle and to park. Secondly, maintaining a bicycle costs much less than a moped or a motorbike.”

Thoma also said that the reduced impact on the environment played a role when discussions around the new delivery method begun.

“Bicycles don’t pollute at all, this is important. We are very committed to promote sustainability on all levels. We already started giving our customers the chance of opting out of plastic cutlery delivery.

“This is another step in the right direction, as far as sustainability is concerned,” he said.

The economic impact is also another aspect to consider, especially for the riders using their bicycles to get to people’s homes.

feature jon some are even trying out scooter deliveries (christos theodorides)

Some are even trying out scooter deliveries (christos theodorides)

As most of them are self-employed, maintenance and repair works on their vehicles is their responsibility.

Taking care of a bicycle is definitely a step up when it comes to cutting costs, according to Pradeep Vasav, an employee of Wolt in Nicosia.

“I have started using my bicycle for deliveries about a month ago and, although a bit strange at the beginning, I must say I am starting to adapt to my new work routine,” he told the Sunday Mail.

Pradeep said that saving on fuel and on insurance has definitely had an impact on his salary at the end of the month.

“I am now able to save more money for me and for my family back in India. I can send them more money more often, which is obviously a big plus,” he said.

“In addition to that, since I now only work on short distances, there is less stress when I deliver people’s food. One of the hardest parts of the job was navigating through Nicosia’s heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. I am more relaxed now.”

Pradeep, however, remains cautious as to whether the company will stick to the new method.

“I don’t know whether one day they will just tell me to go back to riding my moped for deliveries. I am getting used to the new way and to the extra money at the end of the month, so I hope I won’t have to switch back to the old way,” he said.

As far as the legal aspect concerning the new delivery method, riders on bicycles do not need any driving permit to work, as opposed to those using their mopeds.

And this is perhaps a major reason behind the change. Traditionally, a moped driver has only ever needed an easy-to-obtain learner’s driving licence to drive a moped.

In recent months, there have been moves to introduce far stricter rules for moped drivers for road safety reasons and this will impact food delivery companies.

“The government has been planning to change some rules in that regard in order to improve the safety on our roads, but we are still working on it,” said road transport department official Evangelos Pantelis.

Pantelis welcomed the increased use of bicycles for deliveries, calling it forward-thinking and innovative.

“More bicycles on our roads means less pollution. Increasing the level of sustainability in our cities needs to be a priority for everyone and food delivery companies are definitely setting a positive example for all of us.”