Deliveroo rider transports food on penny farthing bicycle in west London

Delivery driver pictured using mode of transport popularised in 19th Century
Takeaway giant Deliveroo has revealed weaker trading across the UK and Ireland at the start of the year against an ‘uncertain’ consumer backdrop (David Davies/PA)
PA Wire
Daniel Keane15 May 2024

A Deliveroo cyclist has been pictured transporting people’s food using a penny farthing in London.

An image posted on X on Tuesday showed the delivery rider on the old mode of transport, which was first popularised in the 1880s, in Chelsea.

The bike features a gigantic front wheel and a smaller back wheel.

The picture was shared with the caption: “Deliveroo rider on a penny farthing might be one of the most west London things I've ever seen.”

The London Eye social media account commented: “That might just be the second biggest wheel in London.”

Another user joked: “I can't help but feel your options for resting along the way would be severely limited.”

The company delivers food from thousands of restaurants which do not have their own delivery service, with riders who make the deliveries travelling by motorcycle or bicycle.

Last month, Deliveroo signed a charter with leading trade union GMB aimed at fostering positive relationships between riders and restaurants.

A total of 30 national restaurant chains and supermarkets, including Wagamama, Wingstop, Bella Italia, Morrisons, the Co-op, Farmer J, Thunderbird and Whole Foods, have signed up.

The Respect Charter, which includes principles on treating everyone with dignity, communicating openly, access to facilities and working together to achieve operational excellence, has been signed by the GMB, Deliveroo and rider representatives.

Camilla Kater, of Deliveroo, said: “This charter is the first of its kind across our industry and demonstrates the positive impact working hand in hand with the GMB has had.

“Our partnership with the GMB is already delivering for our riders and, through jointly creating the Respect Charter, we have solidified our commitment to create a positive and supportive environment for riders and merchants.”

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