Deliveroo has launched a campaign calling on the government to include better protections for delivery riders in its upcoming Crime and Policing Bill.

The ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign, which is backed by trade union GMB and the British Retail Consortium, includes proposals that will safeguard the hundreds of thousands of couriers who ride with Deliveroo and other delivery companies.

The government has committed to creating a standalone offence of assaulting or threatening a retail worker when they’re at their place of work, however the Crime and Policing Bill in its current form stops short of specifically protecting delivery riders.

The rapid delivery firm is calling on the government to extend the scope of the offence so it applies for the entire duration of delivery from accepting the order, travelling to collect it, and through to consumer drop-off.

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Deliveroo is also urging the government to make clear in the legislation that restaurants and other hospitality settings are included in the definition of a retail premise. 

It comes as new figures released by the food delivery company show that in the last six months, there has been a 28% increase in the total number of abusive incidents towards riders when compared to the six months prior, including verbal abuse, reports of racism and sexism, and illegal activity such as theft of an order, a rider’s vehicle, or their delivery equipment. 

Riders have also been threatened or assaulted, including a rider who was threatened when asking a customer for ID, a rider who was assaulted by someone who was under the influence, and riders who have had their orders or bikes stolen. 

Deliveroo SVP of rider and care Camilla Kater said: “No one should feel unsafe while working. Riders play an invaluable role in their local communities and including protections for delivery riders in the Bill will send the strongest signal that we all value them and that these crimes will not be tolerated. Let’s give delivery riders the respect they deserve.

“Together with the GMB, we’re urging the government to take action. We also call on other food delivery companies, along with the restaurant and retail partners who depend on delivery couriers, to back the Right to Ride Safely campaign.”