Reckless delivery boys threaten road safety

27/10/2025

“To be frank, it is a blessing to have people deliver to us food, drinks, clothing, and other goods from anywhere in the country, allowing us to stay at home without the need to visit shops or restaurants ourselves,” columnist Hamad Salem Al-Marri wrote for Al-Seyassah daily.

“However, if this blessing is left unregulated, it will lead to serious traffic issues, including congestion caused by the growing number of delivery vehicles and potentially fatal accidents due to the increasing presence of motorcycles operated by these companies.

“Throughout the country, we are witnessing an overwhelming proliferation of motorcycles operated by delivery companies, now numbering in the thousands. In certain areas, such as Qurain Markets, Ardiya Industrial Area, and shopping malls packed with restaurants and cafes, they appear like swarms of locusts scattered across the streets.

“The sheer volume of these motorcycles presents a serious traffic hazard, particularly as many of their riders fail to follow traffic laws. They often drive recklessly, weaving between cars in designated lanes in an attempt to speed up their deliveries.

“Many delivery riders also drive their motorcycles between the right sidewalk and vehicles in the right lane, making themselves nearly invisible to drivers and increasing the risk of accidents. Others are frequently seen speeding through busy roundabouts, such as those on Ghous Street, which can cause traffic accidents. They often race through residential streets and between houses, showing little regard for pedestrians or nearby vehicles.

“Anyone who regularly uses the bridge connecting Qurain and Qusour, or visits the Qurain Markets, will be shocked by the overwhelming number of motorcycles crossing the bridge to deliver orders. These riders frequently weave between cars stopped at traffic lights, squeezing between vehicles and sidewalks on both sides, to stop directly in front of the queue. This reckless behavior puts pressure on motorists, who must struggle to avoid hitting them.

“Also, anyone who frequents the markets in Ardiya Industrial Area, which already experiences heavy traffic, particularly at its entrances and exits during evening hours, will also notice the large number of motorcycles used for delivery. Many of these riders drive recklessly, weaving between vehicles without regard for traffic flow, posing a serious hazard to other motorists.

“The Ministry of Interior should reconsider its policy on issuing motorcycle licenses, work to reduce their overall number, tighten traffic controls on motorcycle riders, and impose stricter penalties to ensure compliance with traffic laws and deter reckless behavior.”