Uber has announced the launch of its RideCheck safety feature aimed at its delivery drivers to help them share the road safely with cyclists. RideCheck will also pop up when it notices a cyclist making an unusually long stop asking if they need to access emergency assistance to get any help they may need. The information in RideCheck will be sourced from the League of American Bicyclists.
In terms of education for motorists, Uber has adapted the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Driver education material so that they’re suited for Uber drivers. It includes information such as safely passing a cyclist, picking up and dropping off items and passengers, and navigating bicycle infrastructure.
Commenting on today’s news, Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, said:
“The League has welcomed the opportunity to work with Uber to make our Bicycle Friendly Driver materials more accessible and available to more people. We have a shared goal of increasing the safety of all road users, from delivery drivers to delivery bicyclists to other people biking and walking along our streets. The League hopes the roll out of this Bicycle Friendly Driver education lays the foundation for continued efforts together to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic seeing more people use bicycles, this Uber update is particularly important. According to Uber, the rise in the number of cyclists has also seen an increase in speeding, impairment, and pedestrian fatalities. Hopefully, the update will be able to help avert some of those problems.