FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2019
Contact: Kara Macek, 202-789-0944
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is launching a new partnership with Uber Eats to provide important road safety guidance to delivery partners who ride bicycles.
GHSA worked with Uber Eats to develop eight critical safety tips that are being rolled out to bicycle delivery partners at events in major Uber Eats markets across the country, starting today in New York City. Other events will follow in Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles over the next three weeks. Each event will also include gear giveaways from third parties. Uber Eats will also roll out the tips nationwide through its app and website. GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins is participating in the first rollout today in New York City.
“Bicyclist deaths were 9% higher in 2017 than they were in 2008 and NHTSA projects that bicyclist fatalities will increase by 10% in 2018,” Adkins says. “This public-private partnership is a unique way to build awareness around powerful steps that bicycle riders of all stripes – not just delivery partners – can take to help protect themselves when traveling on roadways shared with motor vehicles. Through this initiative, we’re also reinforcing that bicyclists have a right to the road and reminding all road users to respect and look out for each other.”
"As Uber Eats continues to grow and more people are choosing to deliver by bicycle, it's important they have the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe on the road,” Emilie Boman, Global Policy for Uber Eats, said. “Partnerships like this one with the GHSA are an important part of Uber's commitment to putting safety at the heart of everything we do."
The tips are based on interviews with delivery partners working with Uber Eats. Using this information, GHSA developed safety tips addressing everything from proper helmet and bicycle fit, to staying engaged behind the handlebars and being more visible to other road users. “Uber Eats has a unique reach with its delivery partners and customers and GHSA is delighted to be able to share the safety message with these key audiences,” says Adkins.
GHSA encourages its State Highway Safety Office members and other safety advocates to circulate these tips among their community partners to ensure that all bicyclists arrive at their destinations safely.
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About GHSA
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GHSAhq or follow us on Twitter @GHSAHQ.