Nearly 300 penalties have been given to food delivery riders in Melbourne as part of a significant police initiative aimed at addressing unsafe riding practices throughout the city, igniting discussions on whether e-bikes should require registration.

Victoria Police’s Operation Pathfinder, which commenced in early June, has issued 289 penalties to individuals using e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, and motor scooters.

The police initiated the operation due to a rise in complaints and reports about reckless behavior from delivery riders, especially during the busy periods in the CBD.

This Tuesday night, police managed to issue 37 fines within a few hours as officers monitored areas like Bourke Street, Little Bourke Street, and Flinders Street.

The frequent offenses identified during the operation were riding on footpaths ($198 fine), traveling on the incorrect side of a divided road ($395), using a mobile phone while riding ($593), and ignoring traffic signals ($494).

Delivery services such as Uber Eats, Menulog, and Deliveroo have surged in popularity, with independent riders often seen congregating outside eateries 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. 

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.

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.’