One-third of Boston's DoorDash deliveries by two-wheelers
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One-third of DoorDash deliveries are made on two wheels in Boston, the company says in a new report.
Why it matters: Food-delivering motorcycles and scooters seem to be everywhere these days, but Boston's two-wheeled DoorDash delivery rate is actually lower compared to other major cities.
Driving the news: The share of deliveries made on two-wheeled devices across the U.S. and Canada markets has tripled on the DoorDash platform since 2022, per the report.
- Yes, but: DoorDash's data is based on a four-week period covering August-September 2024, and bikes' share of overall deliveries may drop in wintertime in some cities.
By the numbers: 32% of Boston DoorDash deliveries are done on bikes, e-bikes, scooters and other two-wheeled rides.
- That share is 76% in San Francisco, 58% in New York and 57% in Washington, D.C.
- In Boston, two-wheeled "Dashers" traveled nearly 334,679 miles in the span of a month.
The other side: Houston (3.9%), Atlanta (7.9%) and Dallas (9.5%) had the lowest two-wheel DoorDash delivery shares among the top 50 North American cities.
The big picture: Bikes, e-bikes, etc. are usually more eco-friendly and less dangerous than cars and trucks, but Boston officials have raised concerns about two-wheeled delivery drivers flouting local traffic laws and causing accidents.
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu introduced an ordinance last month to make food delivery platforms, like DoorDash and GrubHub, get a permit from the city transportation department to do business in the city.
- The ordinance also would require companies to offer liability insurance and share data on their food deliveries within Boston.
- Rideshare company representatives told city councilors during a hearing last month that the ordinance was too stringent and that making companies get umbrella liability insurance for their workers exceeds the state's requirements.