Fast delivery services - Measurement of physical loads in courier services on bicycles

Status:

completed 02/2026

Aims:

The physical workload of the employees is to be analyzed on the basis of measurements of one work shift per employee. Activities carried out by bicycle couriers when delivering goods and/or food (load handling / load transport) will be examined. The measurements are to be carried out by the IFA as part of an extended company consultation. The measurements support the companies in the risk assessment, in particular in the implementation of the Load Handling Regulation and the application of the Noise and Vibration Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. In order to determine the physical stresses and strains, work heart rate measurements are carried out during one shift per employee (a maximum of 20 employees from different regions or locations are planned). The results of the measurements and surveys on subjective complaints will be used to develop recommendations for prevention work.

Activities/Methods:

To obtain an initial overview of real working conditions, 20 field measurements are planned (generally two-hour measurements, representative of a work shift). In this context, the type of bicycle (motorized/non-motorized) and ergonomic measures (suspended or vibration-damping components, different handlebar grip designs) will be recorded.

Since vibrations during cycling are transmitted to the human body both via the seat and via the hand–arm system, exposure will be assessed using appropriate acceleration sensors mounted on both the saddle and the handlebar grips. Body postures will be measured using motion sensors attached to the rider’s clothing.

To assess musculoskeletal complaints, a simplified questionnaire (Nordic Questionnaires) will be used. This will capture symptoms and impairments in eight body regions over the previous twelve months. To determine and evaluate perceived exertion, the Borg CR10 scale will be applied.

For documentation of road surface conditions and activities, the measurements will be accompanied by video recordings. For this purpose, small cameras will be mounted on the helmet and the bicycle. All participants will receive a compensation. These costs will be covered by the project initiators (BGHW and BG Verkehr).

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