NAFKU and Uzum Tezkor continue to roll out national road safety training programme for bike couriers in Uzbekistan

EASST and our local partners the National Automobile and Motorcycle Federation of Uzbekistan (NAFKU) are continuing efforts to improve road safety for bike couriers across Uzbek cities.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the FIA and Uzum Tezkor, a local delivery service, as part of the FIA’s Helmet Wearing Programme.

The most recent training was held in the city of Samarkand. Fourteen bike couriers from Uzum Tezkor took part, with each receiving a new bicycle helmet and reflective vest to help them keep safe while riding for work.

Special attention was given to real-life scenarios that couriers face on a daily basis with NAFKU experts helping participants navigate complex traffic simulations, refreshing their knowledge of the road rules and discussing the unique challenges faced by couriers.

With this week marking UN Global Road Safety Week, the global road safety community is calling for action to make cycling safe. Across Europe, cyclist fatalities increased by more than 50% between 2011-2020 (Global Status Report on Road Safety). Moreover, in 2022, a study by University College London found freelance riders are more likely to be involved in road traffic collisions than those employed directly by businesses. This research found that such couriers are more likely to speed, ride through red lights, and check their phone while riding – all to ensure they are making deliveries as quickly as possible.[1]

A further study carried out by Possible (a UK-based charity) and the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) in 2024 also found that over 60% of couriers feel unsafe on the roads.[2]

With food delivery companies surging in popularity, road safety for bike couriers needs attention. We are proud to be leading the way through our partnership with the FIA, NAFKU and Uzum Tezkor. Samarkand is just the latest city to host a seminar under this national courier training programme. Similar events are scheduled to take place soon in the cities of Namangan, Fergana, and Bukhara, gradually reaching more couriers.

[1] https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2022/nov/road-collisions-more-likely-takeaway-delivery-riders-working-gig-economy

[2] https://www.wearepossible.org/latest-news/working-cycle-lanes-for-working-people