What to Expect as a Delivery Rider
As a Delivery Rider, you are the heart of our connection to the community. This role is about being a consistent, friendly face and building relationships with our unhoused neighbors. You’ll meet at our central meeting spot to load your bike with fresh meals and essential supplies. From there, you'll ride with a small team on an ever-changing route, as we adapt to the movement and needs of the community we serve. It's a direct, sustainable, and powerful way to make a difference, one pedal stroke at a time.
Rider FAQ
Where do I sign up?
There is no sign up sheet for delivery riders! Feel free to drop in whenever you can, without the anxiety of being locked in. If you need to contact us email austinbicyclemeals@keepaustinneighborly.org or hit us up on instagram for the fastest reply.
When should I show up?
Our rides roll out from our garage in the alley next to Life in the City Church on South Congress (map here) at 2:00PM every Saturday and 5:30PM every other Wednesday.
We encourage volunteers to show up 10-15 minutes early so they have ample time to load up before we roll out.
What kind of bike do I need?
All bikes and skill levels are welcome. While a simple crate or basket attached to your bike will work, cargo bikes have greatly improved our efficiency.
What should I wear?
For safety, all volunteers are advised to wear proper attire, including helmets and close-toed shoes. We also provide custom safety vests to enhance visibility and promote awareness.
Our Wednesday ride gets dark in the wintertime, so bike lights or a headlamp are very good to have.
How are the routes determined?
Our bike routes are ever-changing due to the transient nature of encampments. We rely on insights from the community we serve to inform our routes each week. The ride leader will guide the group, prioritizing everyone's safety above all else.
What kind of supplies will I be delivering?
Beyond food and water, we distribute a range of mutual aid items based on the community's needs. This can include socks, toiletries, menstruation kits, dog food, sweet treats, and extreme weather supplies.
How many meals are people allowed to take?
There is no hard limit enforced on how much folks are allowed to take. Our neighbors are encouraged to take as much or as little as they would like, we are not forcing anything into anyone's hands. All that matters is that food and supplies are getting out to the communities that need them.
Do I have to stay for the full ride?
Feel free to stay for as much or as little of the ride as makes sense for you. We also encourage our volunteers to save a meal for themselves or others if they know of a someone that may need a meal.
Can I bring stuff to pass out?
If you have in kind donations that you are interested in passing out, reach out to us at austinbicyclemeals@keepaustinneighborly.org or on Instagram and let us know first.