Cluj-Napoca is set to become the first city in Romania to introduce mandatory safety regulations for food delivery riders. In response to a rising number of road accidents involving couriers, Mayor Emil Boc has announced that from 15 February 2025, companies failing to equip their delivery personnel with proper safety gear will face fines. The move is part of a broader initiative to improve road safety in the city, aligning with ongoing discussions on traffic regulation and enforcement.

Mandatory Safety Measures for Delivery Riders

A group, consisting of representatives from the Cluj-Napoca City Hall and the Prefecture, has been established to coordinate discussions with food delivery companies. Their primary objective is to ensure that all bicycles and motorcycles used for deliveries are properly equipped with essential safety features such as reflectors, lights, and high-visibility vests.

Mayor Boc emphasised the urgency of these measures, citing recent accidents that highlight the vulnerability of food couriers in traffic. Just days before his announcement, a 22-year-old delivery rider was hospitalised after being hit by a car in Florești. This incident is one of many that underscore the growing risks faced by delivery workers, particularly those who operate at night without adequate visibility.

“This is a problem we can no longer ignore,” stated Boc, reinforcing that the city administration will strictly enforce these new rules.

Delivery Companies Under Pressure to Comply

Food delivery firms operating in Cluj-Napoca have been given until 15 February to implement the required safety measures. After this deadline, authorities will start issuing fines to companies that fail to ensure their couriers are equipped according to road safety regulations.

Some of the key requirements include:

• Bicycles and motorcycles must be fitted with lights and reflective elements to enhance visibility.
• Delivery riders must wear reflective vests.
• Couriers must adhere to designated cycling lanes where available and avoid pedestrian pathways.

Additionally, there have been discussions about creating a multilingual digital and physical guide for couriers—many of whom are immigrants—to help them understand the local road rules. This proposal, raised by USR councillor Adriana Cristian, acknowledges that many food delivery workers may not receive adequate guidance from their employers regarding traffic laws and safety requirements.

Tackling a Broader Road Safety Crisis

The move to regulate delivery riders aligns with a wider debate on road safety in Cluj-Napoca. The city has recently gained attention for introducing Romania’s first fixed speed cameras, coinciding with an intensified discussion on reckless driving and the enforcement of traffic laws. The initiative is seen as a response to concerns about unsafe road behaviour, as highlighted in recent coverage on this site..

While the new measures aim to improve conditions for delivery riders, they also bring into focus the broader cultural issues surrounding road use in Cluj-Napoca. Many drivers disregard speed limits and traffic rules, creating hazardous conditions for all road users, including cyclists and motorcyclists. As discussed in our report on road user behaviour, excessive speeding and disregard for direction signs contribute significantly to the city’s road safety challenges.

A Step Towards Safer Streets?

Cluj-Napoca’s decision to regulate food delivery safety is a progressive step, but its effectiveness will depend on strict enforcement and collaboration with delivery companies. If properly implemented, these measures could serve as a model for other Romanian cities, reinforcing the importance of road safety in an increasingly busy urban environment.

However, this initiative is just one part of the solution. The broader issue of reckless driving, poor enforcement of traffic laws, and inadequate cycling infrastructure must also be addressed. The city’s recent installation of speed cameras and ongoing debates on traffic safety suggest a growing commitment to tackling these challenges.

As Cluj-Napoca takes these steps towards a safer road environment, it remains to be seen whether these measures will significantly reduce accidents or if further action will be needed to change the behaviour of both drivers and vulnerable road users. What is clear is that authorities are finally acknowledging the risks that delivery riders face—and that they are prepared to act.