Becoming a delivery rider: what to know first

Delivery riding is one of the fastest-growing ways to earn a living in Bangladeshi cities, and some of our riders have taken it up. It can give you your own income and flexible hours. It is also physically demanding and carries real risks on the road. This guide helps you decide, and prepare, with open eyes.

The opportunity

• Food and parcel delivery platforms such as Foodpanda, Pathao and others hire riders in large numbers. Foodpanda alone reported more than 100,000 registered riders, and flexible, part-time work is a big attraction.
• Women are still a small share of riders. One report put women at around 5 to 7 percent of Foodpanda riders active daily, though the share has been growing.
• Research on women two-wheeler riders in Dhaka and Chattogram, by BRAC’s Institute of Governance and Development, notes growing demand for female riders in logistics, healthcare and delivery, alongside barriers such as social stigma, family restrictions, harassment and a lack of women-friendly training.
• Bicycle delivery is real: for example, Foodpanda equipped its first batch of transgender riders with bicycles and smartphones in Dhaka and Chattogram. Many platforms use motorbikes for longer routes, so check which options your area offers.

Build your road skills first

Delivery means riding in busy traffic, often in a hurry, in all weather. Before you start, ride regularly for a few months and be comfortable with every skill in our “Learn to cycle in 5 steps” series, especially Step 5 on hand signals and road rules.

Prepare your bicycle

• A reliable bicycle in good condition, with good brakes, working lights and a bell. Do the ABC check every day.
• A rack or basket strong enough to carry a delivery bag safely. Never hang heavy loads from the handlebar.
• Puncture kit, spare tube and a pump.
• A sturdy lock for when you stop.

Prepare your kit

• A well-fitted helmet.
• A reflective vest or jacket, and a rain jacket for the monsoon.
• A phone holder and a power bank. Mount your phone so you can check it only when stopped.
• A water bottle, especially in hot weather.
• A sturdy insulated delivery bag.

Stay safe on the road

• Do not rush. A late delivery is better than a crash. Never ride while looking at your phone.
• Share your live location with someone you trust.
• Start with daytime hours and familiar areas, and build up.
• Avoid riding in heavy rain or flooded streets.
• Take regular breaks, drink water, and stop if you feel dizzy or very tired.
• Be extra careful near buses and trucks, at junctions and when passing parked cars.

Staying safe as a woman rider

• Ride with a group or a buddy when you can, and keep in touch with them.
• Choose well-lit, busy routes after dark, or avoid late-night shifts at first.
• Trust your instincts. If a customer or place feels unsafe, you can leave and report it to the platform.
• Keep emergency numbers saved, and tell family or a friend about your shifts.

Know the work and the money

Earnings vary with the platform, the area, the time of day and the number of hours you work, and they are not guaranteed. Ask questions and compare options before choosing. Find out how and when you are paid, what fees or deductions apply, and who is responsible for the bicycle’s upkeep. Keep a simple record of your income and costs, such as repairs, so that you know what you really earn.