Boston, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has filed an amended ordinance aiming to ban the use of mopeds and electric bicycles for third-party food delivery services. This proposal stems from growing public safety concerns, with reports of reckless riding incidents involving delivery vehicles. Following a fatal incident in Copley Square, the ordinance seeks to address safety while balancing the economic impact on delivery drivers, many of whom belong to low-income communities. The City Council’s Committee on Government Operations will soon discuss the proposal.
Boston — Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has filed an amended ordinance proposing a ban on using mopeds and electric bicycles for third-party food delivery in the city.
Immediate summary
The proposed ban is presented as a measure to address escalating public safety concerns tied to delivery vehicles operating on Boston streets. The ban is labeled a necessity for public safety amid concerns of reckless riding. Officials report almost daily incidents of delivery bikes riding over 20 mph, traveling the wrong way down streets, riding on sidewalks, and running stop signs and red lights. A deadly incident occurred last month when a person was hit and killed by an e-bike in Copley Square.
Key details and recent developments
The amended ordinance targets the use of mopeds and electric bicycles (e-bikes) by third-party food delivery services. Flynn’s office issued a press release highlighting these safety issues and calling for rapid council action. Flynn emphasized the need for the council to act quickly to prevent further injuries, including to the delivery drivers themselves.
In April, the City Council approved a mayoral ordinance requiring permits for third-party delivery services, but it remains unclear if drivers can obtain liability insurance, raising enforcement concerns. The amended ordinance has been referred to the City Council’s Committee on Government Operations for future discussion.
Local reactions and concerns
Public reaction has been mixed. A Fenway resident, Flower Armigo, expressed fears about the safety of pedestrians, especially when walking her dog near delivery vehicles. At the same time, several City Council members raised concerns about economic and equity impacts. The City Council is currently debating Flynn’s amendment; he has faced strong opposition from several colleagues who argue that the ban would disproportionately harm low-income and immigrant workers who rely on delivery jobs. Councilor Henry Santana highlighted the risk to livelihood for many drivers, stating that a full ban would have a disparate impact on minority communities.
Some council members, including Enrique Pepén and Julia Mejia, urged focusing on improving oversight and enforcement instead of an outright ban. DoorDash responded that eliminating two-wheeled vehicles would severely impact local businesses and driver income, and that solutions should seek safety without harming the economy. A spokesperson for Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized ongoing safety efforts and that recent ordinances aim to increase accountability within food delivery platforms.
Enforcement and operational issues
City officials note enforcement challenges, including staffing shortages within the Boston Police Department. Enforcement of existing regulations is challenged by staffing shortages within the Boston Police Department, complicating efforts to monitor speed, wrong-way riding, sidewalk use, and red-light violations. Concerns also exist about whether individual drivers for third-party services can secure liability insurance, which affects the practical enforceability of new rules.
Context and contributing factors
According to proponents of the ban, the growth in delivery traffic reflects shifting demand patterns: Flynn pointed out that food delivery issues surged recently due to increased demand from remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city encouraged large delivery companies to use two-wheel vehicles and incentivized speed over safety for drivers, exacerbating safety problems. Flynn criticized the notion that the rules of the road can be optional, stating that the city’s streets have turned chaotic. He noted that pedestrian safety has been a long-standing issue in Boston and that the current situation is not about a conflict between cars and bikes but rather ensuring safety for all road users.
Next steps
The City Council’s Committee on Government Operations will review Flynn’s amended ordinance and hear testimony from council members, city officials, delivery company representatives, drivers, and residents. Policy options under consideration include a full ban on mopeds and e-bikes for third-party delivery, tighter permitting and insurance requirements, targeted enforcement strategies, and measures to protect delivery workers’ incomes and legal rights.
FAQ
- What did Ed Flynn propose?
- Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has filed an amended ordinance proposing a ban on using mopeds and electric bicycles for third-party food delivery in the city.
- Why is the ban being proposed?
- The ban is labeled a necessity for public safety amid concerns of reckless riding.
- What incidents have officials reported?
- Officials report almost daily incidents of delivery bikes riding over 20 mph, traveling the wrong way down streets, riding on sidewalks, and running stop signs and red lights.
- Was there a fatal incident related to delivery e-bikes?
- A deadly incident occurred last month when a person was hit and killed by an e-bike in Copley Square.
- Has the City Council taken recent action on delivery services?
- In April, the City Council approved a mayoral ordinance requiring permits for third-party delivery services, but it remains unclear if drivers can obtain liability insurance, raising enforcement concerns.
- Is there opposition to Flynn’s amendment?
- The City Council is currently debating Flynn’s amendment; he has faced strong opposition from several colleagues who argue that the ban would disproportionately harm low-income and immigrant workers who rely on delivery jobs.
- What did DoorDash say about the proposal?
- DoorDash responded that eliminating two-wheeled vehicles would severely impact local businesses and driver income, and that solutions should seek safety without harming the economy.
- Where will the amended ordinance be discussed next?
- The amended ordinance has been referred to the City Council’s Committee on Government Operations for future discussion.
- What is the mayor’s office saying?
- A spokesperson for Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized ongoing safety efforts and that recent ordinances aim to increase accountability within food delivery platforms.
Quick reference table
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| Proposal | Ban on mopeds and electric bicycles for third-party food delivery in Boston |
| Reason cited | Public safety concerns and reports of reckless riding |
| Reported incidents | Delivery bikes riding over 20 mph, wrong-way riding, sidewalk use, running stop signs and red lights |
| Fatality | Person hit and killed by an e-bike in Copley Square last month |
| Prior action | April ordinance requiring permits for third-party delivery services |
| Enforcement challenge | Unclear liability insurance access for drivers and Boston Police staffing shortages |
| Council status | Amended ordinance referred to the Committee on Government Operations |
| Main opposition point | Potential disproportionate harm to low-income and immigrant delivery workers |
| Company response | Concern about impact on local businesses and driver income |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Boston Launches New E-Bike Incentive Program
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Food Delivery
- Boston.com
- Google Search: Boston City Council food delivery
- Boston Herald
- Google Scholar: food delivery regulations
- WHDH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Delivery Services
- Boston Herald: Councilor Ed Flynn
- Google News: Boston mopeds food delivery
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
