1. Bicycle Couriers
The Committee considered a Manager's report dated February 11, 1988 (on file), in which the Director of Permits and Licences and the Chief Constable, in consultation with the City Engineer, reported that bicycle couriers are creating many problems for pedestrians and motorists, particularity ln the downtown area of the City due to dangerous and reckless driving, unsafe lane changes, improper turns at intersections, cutting in and out of traffic, illegally passing etc. No identification or company affiliation other than waiver bills makes it increasingly difficult to establish identity of the culprits.
Mr. K. Armstrong, the Deputy Director of Permits and Licenses, advises that there are approximately 200 bicycle couriers in the City who work on a commission basis for a courier/delivery. service, receiving 65% to 75% of the fee for each item delivered. The company holds a business license but the bicycle courier does not, and there are no adequate by-law requirements to regulate their conduct. The majority of the individuals break as many rules and regulations as required in order ta earn a better commission. Bicycle couriers who have outstanding Traffic Bench Warrants continue operation, being stopped and ticketed by police four to five times a day, repeating the same offence the next day. The ticket system is not, by itself, an effective deterrent. Amendments to the License By-law and Vehicles for Hire by-law to provide controls and regulations of both .the courier company and individual couriers are recommended.
Inspector H. Brittan, Police Traffic Division, advised that except for speeding, complaints of infractions re couriers are the second largest number of complaints. Police officers are not sure the ticket is going to the right person as no ID is provided, If couriers were licensed and were guilty of persistent misbehaviour their license could be suspended. Inspector Brittan advised he had approached By-law Fines to ensure follow-up of tickets issued. The Police Department, has no control if fines are not paid.
Mr.. M. Pospischil, Bicycle Co-ordinator, noted that people believe couriers have superior bicycle handling skills, however there are a significant number of accidents in the downtown area. The majority of bicycle/motor vehicle accidents go unreported as do bicycle/pedestrian accidents. Licensing alone will not be sufficient. Couriers should be required to pass an 8-hour education course prior to licensing. The course fee is $50.00 and this is not an unrealistic cost as couriers make an average of $100.00 per day (figures from March 1986 Article - Equity Business Magazine).
Mr. J. Arnaud, Chairman, Bicycle Advisory Committee, noted that bicycle couriers are not obeying traffic regulations. Couriers would benefit from a bicycle education course. In fairness to the couriers, if they are able to pass the exam and road test without taking the course they should be licensed. Couriers should have liability insurance; the Bicycling Association provides this for members.
The following appeared as delegations:
Mrs. D. McCarthy, Connection Courier - agreed with the need for identification for bicycle couriers. The course and liability insurance questions should be investigated further. All bicycles should be licensed, not just courier bicycles.
Mr. E. Frayne, Gelco Express - all his couriers have uniforms with the company`s name prominently displayed. The course requirement should be investigated further - licensing should be structured so that couriers can take a written exam and road test without: the course, and if they pass, they could be licensed.
Mr. A. Wadden, Pacific Messenger - his couriers have ID cards and insurance. The lability question should be investigated further. He agreed with a voluntary written exam before making the course compulsory.
Mr. D. Hall, concerned citizen - agreed with recommendations to license couriers but the problem is the enforcement of the offenders.
Mr. P. Mueller, concerned citizen - his car was damaged by a courier who had no insurance - ICBC approached the company who were not willing to pay for the damage. The couriers 'should be licensed and should be required to carry insurance.
Mr. J. Hambling, concerned citizen and downtown businessman - he relies heavily on bicycle courier companies but his first priority is public safety. The couriers should be licensed and their licenses should be revoked if they cannot comply with rules and regulations.
Mr. C. Deroche, Reliable Courier Service - the couriers who are not responsible individuals will not change their behaviour because they are licensed. Enforcement. is needed. The companies hold business licenses-the couriers perform their duties on behalf of the company. Some are hourly employees and not paid by the 'piece'. The recommendations are not going to solve the problem. Enforcement through the courier companies is the answer.
Mr. M. Emoff, courier - has been a courier for five years. In the beginning, there were only four or five companies, now there are 40 so the rates have gone down. The couriers are under pressure from the companies to deliver as soon as possible The rules are vague. On a bicycle you need momentum and you cannot come to a complete stop at an intersection before you turn right.
Mr. P. Berg, courier - agreed with couriers having ID but did not agree with a compulsory course. There are problems because people hear cars they cannot hear bicycles and just step out without looking.
Mr. B. Rigler, courier - most couriers are aware of the traffic regulations. The time factor and demand by customers is a big factor. He agreed with the license and photo ID but not the course. If the course is not based on the stress and working conditions downtown, it would not be of benefit to bicycle couriers.
In answer to statements by delegations, Mr. Armstrong advised that he had spoken to an individual. who provides photo ID and this would be acceptable, as would B.C Driver's Licenses. The City would not have to purchase equipment for ID cards.
Mr. H. Pospischil advised that the course is designed on one which is taught to couriers in New York City and Washington, D.C. The course could be held on weekends. There has been no discussion of who would pay for the course -- that would be up to the courier companies and the couriers. It is possible to arrange for a voluntary written After discussion, the Committee
RECOMMENDED
A. THAT the Vehicles for Hire By-law be amended to require courier bicycles to be licensed ($10.00)per vehicle)
define courier bicycle
- require a Vehicles for Hire plate to be displayed on courier bicycles
- require operators of courier bicycles to carry a photo identification card showing correct full name, address, date of birth, and produce the card when requested by a police officer who has reason to believe an offence has been committed (a driver's licence is satisfactory).
- authorize a police officer to arrest without warrant any person operating a courier bicycle whom he finds committing a breach of the provisions of the Vehicles for Hire By-law if such person fails to stop and state his proper name and address when so requested by the police officer (similar to Section 6OB of the Street and Traffic By-law).
B. THAT the License By-law be amended to define courier delivery service and include a provision that this type of business may not engage the services of a courier bicycle that is not licensed under the Vehicles for Hire By-law.
C. THAT the City Engineer, after consultation with the industry, report back on the following:
- requiring operators of courier bicycles to pass an eight hour education course prior to licensing; such course to be offered and administered by the Bicycling Association of B.C. (the provincial body of the Canadian Cycling Association)
as an alternative, allowing voluntary written examinations and road testa for couriers at an approximate cost of $10.00; one of the provisos being that if the individual fails, he be required to take a course. - requiring couriers who have a certain number of traffic infractions to take a course, similar to the defensive driving course for motor vehicle drivers.
- requiring either the courier company er the couriers to carry liability insurance.
D. THAT the City Engineer, in consultation with the Bicycle Advisory Committee, report back on a licensing program for all bicycles.
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