Road safety situation of courier and take-out food delivery electric bike riders: a cross-sectional study in one municipality in China

Abstract Background To observe road traffic violation behaviors among courier and take-out food delivery electric bike rider and to characterize road traffic injuries occurred in this occupational population. Methods A cross-sectional field study including roadside observational data collection and face-to-face interviews was conducted by retrospective response through street intercept. Results 600 target populations were observed, and 480 were interviewed. The rate of over speed was 91.3%, and windshield use during winter was 91.2%. Traffic rule violations included riding in the motor vehicle lane (32.8%), not waiting behind the white line at a red light (23.3%), and using a cell phone when riding (21.2%). Helmet use was significantly more common in daytime than night (P=0.028). About 46% rode e-bike more than 8 hours per day. 76% of interviewees had suffered a traffic crash. About 14% crashes happened in motor-vehicle lanes and 8% in sidewalks. A logistic regression analysis indicated that compared with uninjured riders, injured riders showed significantly greater odds ratios of unsafe behaviors for running red lights (OR=1.75), and a protective effect for wearing a helmet (OR=0.56). Discussion Road safety issues need to be addressed through establishment or improvement of e-bike legislation in this vulnerable occupational group.