Nearly 300 fines have been issued to food delivery riders in Melbourne as part of a major police crackdown targeting dangerous riding behaviour across the city – sparking debate about whether e-bikes should be registered.
Victoria Police’s Operation Pathfinder, which began in early June, has issued 289 fines to riders using e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, and motor scooters.
Police say the operation was launched in response to a surge in complaints and reports of dangerous behaviour by delivery riders, particularly during peak periods in the CBD.
On Tuesday night this week, police issued 37 fines in just a few hours, with officers patrolling areas such as Bourke Street, Little Bourke Street, and Flinders Street.
The most common offences detected throughout the operation included riding on the footpath (fine of $198), driving on the wrong side of a divided road ($395), using a mobile phone while riding ($593), and failing to obey traffic lights ($494).
Delivery apps like Uber Eats, Menulog, and Deliveroo have exploded in popularity, with freelance riders now frequently seen gathering outside restaurants waiting for orders.
The industry Down Under is booming, fuelled by Australians willing to pay a fee of up to $8 for the convenience of having their meals brought to their doors.
But while it’s convenient for Aussies to order in, their growing Uber Eats habit is starting to have some serious consequences.
Nearly 300 fines have been issued to food delivery riders in Melbourne as part of a major police crackdown targeting dangerous riding behaviour across the city
Apps like Uber Eats and Menulog are surging in Australia
Many are becoming increasingly frustrated by the growing number of delivery riders and the risks they pose in crowded urban areas.
In total, there have been 284 collisions in Melbourne alone this year, with collision rates increasing.
‘The amount of times I’ve nearly been run over by speeding delivery riders is an absolute joke,’ wrote one. ‘I even witnessed one barrel over a woman and pram while getting off a tram, then fled the scene.’
‘I see delivery riders disobeying road rules every day. It’s like the laws don’t apply to them,’ another said. ‘Going through red lights. Riding on footpaths, using their phones while riding and getting away with it.’
‘They’re risking their lives to deliver takeaway food,’ a third said.
‘Usually I feel bad for Uber Eats drivers since they’re probably struggling, but they drive like maniacs! Full scary on footpaths when they’re blasting past you to earn that $5 delivery fee,’ a fourth added.
The riders’ recklessness has sparked calls for the mandatory registration of e-bikes, with critics arguing it would make it easier to hold reckless riders accountable.
Critics want e-bikes registered like cars and believe riders should be required to complete training before hitting the road
E-bikes don’t need a licence, rego or plates — and many believe delivery riders are exploiting that lack of oversight.
Unlike cars and motorcycles, e-bikes can be operated on public roads without a licence, registration, or number plates, a loophole that many believe is being exploited by some delivery workers who disregard road rules.
‘Perhaps a strict registration system to help identify and track the worst offenders is needed,’ one said.
‘If people want to use these e-bikes for delivery, there should be a training course, and the bikes should be registered. If I drive my car to make delivery, my car needs to be registered.’
Many of the riders are in Australia on student visas and work for food delivery companies to support themselves while studying.
Some argued they often don’t understand Australia’s road laws or safety rules and should be required to take a test before riding for Uber.
However, others argued that police were targeting the wrong issue and should focus on serious crime instead.
‘Pathetic policing… Targeting people barely making minimum wage. Doesn’t pass the pub test.’
