Food delivery has become an increasingly popular way to earn money in recent years.

With the rise of delivery apps, it’s never been easier to sign up as a delivery courier and earn money in just a few taps on your phone.

At first glance, it seems like a simple way to make a living — pick up food, drop it off at someone’s doorstep, and repeat.

Yet, the reality of food delivery is much more complex than it appears on the surface.

From busy roads to unpredictable weather conditions, delivery couriers face unique challenges that make the process more complicated than it seems.

Whether you’re a delivery driver or a bike courier, staying safe is one of the most important things you can do.

For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of safety tips to help you stay safe when delivering food.

Safety tips for bike couriers

Two-wheelers like bikes and electric scooters can be a great way to make quick deliveries, but they also come with some unique safety challenges. Here’s how you can stay safe while riding:

Always wear a helmet

If there’s one rule you should never break, it’s this one. A study of 64,000 cyclists worldwide found that helmets reduce severe head injury risks by nearly 70%.

For any cyclist or rider, helmets are a given for safety reasons. But they’re even more necessary for couriers who spend long periods navigating busy, crowded streets.

But it’s not just any helmet that will do. Here’s how to pick the right one:

Look for a helmet that’s certified by the leading safety standards (CPSC, EN1078, etc.);
Make sure it fits snugly and isn’t too loose or tight;
Look for helmets with reflective details to increase visibility on the road;
Opt for helmets with a visor to protect against the wind and sun.

If you’re looking for the best bike accessories, our blog post about seven must-have cyclist accessories is a great place to start.

Stay visible

Regardless of the hour, food delivery demands caution. But when night falls, being extra careful is even more crucial.

In many countries, bicycles and electric scooters are required by law to be equipped with front and rear lights. Check your local laws to make sure your bike meets the required standards.

But that’s not enough. For extra safety, invest in some reflective clothing and accessories like a reflective vest or stickers to add to your vehicle or helmet.

Bolt Food delivery gear, like the food bag, is designed to keep bike couriers safe and visible on the road. It features double reflective stripes on all sides, making you more visible in low-light conditions.

bolt food bag

Stay hydrated

It’s not only about external factors. You must take care of your body too.

Being a delivery courier on two wheels requires physical effort. Pedalling long distances can be exhausting, especially in hot and humid climates.

And even if you’re riding an electric bike or scooter, the heat and weight of your gear can take a toll on your body.

Make sure you stay hydrated while delivering. Carry a water bottle on every ride and take regular breaks for snacks and rehydration.

It’s ideal to have an individualised hydration plan. A general rule is to take on fluids containing electrolytes throughout your ride. Try to take on 500-750 ml per hour, even in cooler conditions.

Take breaks

Being self-employed means you’re in charge of your schedule. Flexibility is a massive advantage of food delivery, but it can also lead to overworking.

Despite being a low-impact exercise, cycling still requires many repetitive movements that can strain your body.

Don’t push yourself too hard — take regular breaks to rest, stretch, relax, and re-energise. You’re most productive and safe when you’re well-rested.

Safety tips for delivery drivers

Cars are a popular option for food delivery, but just like two-wheelers, certain safety considerations come into play. Here’s what you need to know:

Share your real-time location with friends and family

Before you hit the road, stay safe by sharing your current location with family and friends.

That way, they can monitor your journey — giving you extra safety while on delivery duty!

You can do this with Google Maps:

Open Google Maps and sign in to your account;
Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner;
Tap “Location Sharing”;
Choose how long you want to share your location;
Choose the person(s) with whom you want to share your location;
Tap share.

There are also other ways to share your location, like iMessage or WhatsApp. Choose the one that works best for you.

Invest in a phone holder

Being a delivery driver might mean delivering to unfamiliar locations. Fortunately, GPS apps have made it much easier to find your way around. But one potential safety issue with GPS use is holding your phone while you drive.

This distracts you from the road and occupies one of your hands. It could be difficult to react in time if you need to make a sudden stop.

The best solution is to invest in a phone holder that attaches to your car’s dashboard or windscreen. That way, you can keep your eyes on the road with both hands on the wheel.

Use hands-free options

Being a delivery driver might mean getting calls from customers. They might want to provide additional information or ask about their order status.

And it’s not only customers. If you’re behind the wheel for an extended period, you might also get calls from friends and family.

The safest way to handle these situations is to pull over and come to a stop. But if that’s not possible or practical, look into hands-free options.

Many cars have built-in Bluetooth systems, but consider getting an external device if yours doesn’t.

Despite being a safer alternative to handheld use, hands-free technology can still distract drivers and create potential risks.

Remember that the hands-free use of mobile phones is regulated differently by country. Check your local laws to make sure you’re compliant.

Lock your car whenever you’re away

Delivery speed is often a decisive factor in receiving high ratings and tips. You might be tempted to leave your car running while you enter a restaurant or customer’s house.

Even if it’s just for a short period, it’s not worth the risk. Leaving your car running unattended makes it an easy target for theft.

Turn off the ignition and lock your car whenever you’re away. It only takes a few extra seconds and can save you a lot of trouble if something goes wrong.

How does Bolt support food delivery drivers?

At Bolt, we’re committed to providing our users with a safe and reliable experience.

Couriers form the backbone of our network, and we want to ensure they have all the tools and resources they need to deliver safely.

In-app support: Our customer service team is available around the clock to answer questions and help you resolve any issues as quickly as possible.
Ability to re-assign order: If you’re uncomfortable with a particular order, you can always re-assign it.
60-second buffer time to accept the order: We propose an order to one courier at a time, giving you 60 seconds to accept it. No need to rush — take your time to ensure the order’s right for you.

Stay safe on the road

Remember — nothing is worth compromising your safety.

Be aware of the risks, take precautions, and get enough rest. These tips should help you stay safe and get the most out of your food delivery experience!

Deliver food and earn on your schedule