0:11The growing presence of delivery drivers on mopeds and scooters has raised significant safety concerns, prompting more than 100 reports filed via the 311 system. Reports of delivery drivers running red lights, riding on sidewalks, and speeding through residential areas have been frequent, highlighting the need for regulatory measures. A collaborative effort among city officials, community leaders, and representatives from the Planning and Development Board seeks to tackle these issues through a newly introduced ordinance.

The ordinance mandates that food delivery companies obtain permits, contingent upon meeting two primary conditions: offering liability insurance for all drivers and sharing comprehensive data about delivery operations. This data would include the types of vehicles used, the neighborhoods with the highest demand, and crucially, the speeds of the drivers. This initiative is designed to improve roadway design and enhance enforcement of traffic laws by leveraging data to understand delivery patterns and their impact on road safety.

Officials at the meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to achieve positive outcomes, referencing similar past regulations for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. The ordinance aims to increase oversight and accountability by utilizing the vast information delivery companies have on their drivers’ behaviors.

Chief Yasha Franklin Hajj highlighted the negative impact of rapid growth in food delivery services on quality of life, citing unsafe driving, illegal parking, and increasing congestion as issues. He pointed out that while the city has initiated educational and enforcement campaigns, the responsibility must also lie with the companies themselves. Franklin Hajj underlined the ordinance’s critical aspect: the data-sharing requirement, which helps the city proactively manage delivery hotspots and address safety concerns before they escalate.

Further support for the ordinance came from Commissioner Michael Cox, who stressed the collective responsibility of ensuring community safety. He remarked on the necessity for corporations to contribute to keeping pedestrians and drivers safe, emphasizing the importance of regulations that encourage safe operations in an industry experiencing rapid growth. Commissioner Emily Shay, representing the older population in Boston, also participated in the discussion, advocating for the ordinance as a step toward balancing convenience with public safety.

14:42Meg Meer Cohen, president of the Back Bay Association, addressed the overwhelming impact of delivery services on Boston’s urban landscape, expressing the need for smarter regulation. She noted the transformation of urban experiences due to these services and supported the city’s initiative to require insurance and promote responsible operation of delivery services.

City Councilor Sharon Durkin criticized third-party delivery platforms for prioritizing speed and profit over safety. She emphasized the reckless behavior observed on Boston’s streets and praised the mayor’s efforts to address these concerns through the ordinance. Durkin stressed the importance of requiring delivery platforms to provide detailed data to mitigate their impact, highlighting the need for accountability within the delivery industry.

State Representative Jay Livingstone shared a personal story about a dangerous encounter with a delivery driver. He called for common-sense solutions to enhance safety for all road users, including pedestrians.

0:11The discussion also covered enforcement specifics of the ordinance, focusing on the requirement for large delivery platforms—handling more than a million orders annually—to obtain permits. These permits would impose conditions such as insurance and data-sharing requirements, with non-compliance resulting in fines and possible legal action.

Concerns arose about the reaction of companies like DoorDash, which had previously engaged in discussions with the city. Despite initial dialogues, city representatives noted a lack of transparency and accountability from these companies. The ordinance aims to ensure responsible operational practices among delivery platforms, thereby improving safety for residents and pedestrians.