MUSCAT, FEB 22
A speeding delivery bike weaving through traffic with a heavily loaded rear rack is now a familiar sight on busy streets. For many motorists, the relief often comes when they manage to avoid a sudden encounter with one of these fast-moving vehicles that could easily lead to damage or injury.
Behind the rush is a race against time. Delivery riders often operate under strict deadlines set by companies, where delays can mean salary deductions, reduced incentives or even the loss of a job. The pressure to deliver quickly can push riders to take risks on the road, sometimes leading to serious — and often fatal — accidents.
According to reports from the Royal Oman Police, accidents involving motorcycles, particularly delivery bikes, have been increasing. In many cases, riders suffer severe injuries or fatalities despite wearing safety gear, which can only reduce — not eliminate — the impact of high-speed crashes.
Official figures show that in 2024, Oman recorded 586 deaths and 1,936 injuries from 1,854 traffic accidents. A noticeable number of those incidents involved delivery riders. Data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information also shows that 135,028 new driving licences were issued in 2023, including licences for two-wheelers.
Although strict procedures are in place for obtaining driving licences, accidents involving delivery riders remain a road-safety concern. High-speed riding, pressure to meet delivery targets and challenging road conditions often contribute to collisions with other vehicles.
A tragic incident in 2016, in which a driver killed several delivery riders, highlighted the risks faced by these workers on the road.
“Seeing a motorbike speeding on public roads is a nightmare. The speed at which some riders travel is shocking,” says Salim Mohammed, an investor.
“The other day, I saw a delivery bike moving at high speed that nearly collided with my car. I was shaken and couldn’t move for a moment after the incident,” he recalled, urging stricter enforcement of speed limits for two-wheelers.
Officials say intense heat, long working hours and pressure for quick deliveries can push riders toward risky behaviour such as speeding or improper lane changes. Many accidents also occur after sunset, when visibility drops and fatigue sets in.
Other factors include reckless riding, failure to wear proper safety gear and inexperienced or unlicensed riders.
Although motorcycles are far fewer than cars in Oman, hundreds are registered every year and contribute to the country’s accident statistics.
Mohammed Al Kaabi, an HSE expert, believes stronger safety guidelines are necessary to protect delivery riders. He proposes a clear code of conduct:
Mandatory helmets: Riders must wear certified helmets at all times to reduce severe head injuries.
Proper safety gear: High-visibility jackets and protective equipment, especially for night deliveries.
Training programmes: Regular safety training for riders to improve road awareness and defensive riding skills.
Safer infrastructure: More dedicated lanes or safer routes for motorcycles to minimise conflicts with larger vehicles.
Observers say companies also share responsibility for rider safety. Firms should monitor rider speed, improve delivery scheduling and avoid unrealistic deadlines that push workers to take dangerous risks.
Authorities continue to urge riders to follow traffic rules and drive responsibly, warning that stronger awareness and cooperation from companies, motorists and riders alike are essential to reduce accidents on Oman’s roads.
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