A petition has been launched calling on the council to create a new city centre cycle lane in York.
It’s been set up by GMB, the union for Deliveroo couriers, with the backing of the riders themselves.
GMB reps and Deliveroo workers met with Cllr Pete Kilbane, transport lead on City of York Council, to demand the needs of delivery couriers and cyclists be addressed in the new transport strategy for York.
The petition calls on the council “to make the Blake Street – Parliament Street Cycle Lane proposed in 2021 by the York Cycle Campaign an integral and priority part of York’s new transport plan”.
The introduction of the lane will make the city centre safer and more accessible, as well as drive up revenue for local businesses and help the council meet its 2030 net zero ambitions, campaigners say.
And that would benefit residents, visitors– and the environment.
GMB national rep for Deliveroo, Cristian Santabarbara, said: “A cycle route through York city centre is critical for couriers’ working conditions, safety and wellbeing.
“It would improve delivery times and reduce restaurant food wastage and improve our service delivery of food, groceries and medicines to residents in York.
“It would remove the looming threat of fines for cyclists, and issues associated with late delivery times for couriers, business and residents.
“We want the city centre to be accessible and sustainable for everyone.”
Director of operations at Deliveroo Andy Batty said: “It’s clear from the significant growth in customer orders we’ve seen in York that there’s strong demand for food delivery across the city, and we’re committed to providing the best service possible for our customers, local restaurant partners, riders and the wider community.
“That’s why we’re working closely with the GMB Union and our riders to call for a new cycle route through York city centre that would not only make it safer for riders, but drive local business growth and help the council meet its ambitious climate objectives.”
You can learn more and sign the petition here.
City of York Council said it welcomed all responses to its consultation on transport changes, which runs until 4 February.