How to Deliver Food & Groceries by Bike in a Dense City

1. 01

   Step 1: Sign up and set your delivery zone

   

   Download the app (golumo.app on iPhone, Android or web) and choose the Worker mode on the welcome screen. Sign in with email, phone, Google or Apple. In your profile, set your job-alert radius—start with 1-2 miles in a dense city so you're not riding across town for a $6 order. Enable 'delivery' in your job types and turn on location permissions so customers can track you live on a map.

   Set your working hours if you have a regular schedule, or just toggle 'on duty' whenever you're ready to ride. You'll get instant alerts when new orders come in nearby. Check the busy map in the app to see where orders are clustering—usually lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (5-9pm) in business districts and residential neighborhoods.

2. 02

   Step 2: Accept orders and plan your route

   

   When an alert pops up, you see the pickup address, drop-off address, estimated distance, and your cut (you keep 90% of the delivery fee). Tap to accept. If the restaurant or shop is more than ten blocks away, consider declining unless it's slow—your time on a bike is precious.

   Once you accept, the app shows the pickup location on a map. Plan your route: use bike lanes, low-traffic streets, and paths through parks. Avoid one-ways going the wrong direction and streets with heavy truck traffic. If you're picking up multiple orders (some apps batch them), confirm the drop-off addresses are close to each other. A five-mile detour costs you ten minutes and your legs.

3. 03

   Step 3: Pick up the order and pack it securely

   

   Arrive at the restaurant or shop, check in with staff, and confirm the order name. Inspect the bag: hot food should be sealed and upright, cold items separated if possible. Place everything in your backpack or rack bag with heavier items at the bottom.

   For drinks, nestle them between soft items or use a bottle cage. If you're carrying pizza, a rigid pizza bag strapped to a rear rack works best. On an e-bike with a front basket, balance the weight so steering isn't wobbly. Take thirty seconds to pack well—a spilled milkshake costs you your rating and a re-delivery.

   Before you leave, double-check the address in the app and note any gate codes or apartment numbers in the delivery instructions.

4. 04

   Step 4: Ride safely and follow traffic laws

   

   Head to the drop-off using bike lanes wherever possible. Obey red lights and stop signs—a ticket costs more than you'll earn in a day. Use hand signals, wear a bright vest or reflective gear after dark, and keep your headlight and taillight charged.

   Watch for car doors opening, pedestrians stepping into the bike lane, and potholes. If you're on an e-bike, remember you're moving faster than drivers expect. In rain, slow down on metal grates and painted crosswalks—they're slippery. If it's truly dangerous (ice, heavy snow, flooding), it's okay to go off duty.

   Customers can follow you live on the map, so don't make unnecessary detours. If you need to stop for a minute, pull over and let them see you're paused.

5. 05

   Step 5: Complete the delivery and take the photo

   

   When you arrive, lock your bike if you're going into a building, or lean it where you can see it. Ring the bell or knock, hand over the order, and smile. If it's a 'leave at door' delivery, place the bag on a clean, dry spot (not the ground if you can help it), step back, and take the required drop-off photo through the app.

   The photo protects both you and the customer—it proves you delivered. Make sure the address number or apartment door is visible in the frame. If the customer isn't answering and instructions say 'hand to customer,' try calling through the in-app messaging, wait two minutes, then follow the app's instructions (usually take a photo and mark it complete).

   After delivery, customers can tip 10%, 15%, 20% or a custom amount. You'll see it in your wallet right away—100% of tips go to you.

6. 06

   Step 6: Track your earnings and cash out

   

   Your earnings land in your in-app wallet immediately after each job. You keep 90% of the delivery fee, plus 100% of any tip. In a typical dinner shift (two hours), expect 4-8 deliveries depending on distance and order volume; at $4-$7 per delivery plus tips, that's $30-$70 for the shift.

   On busy nights or weekends, you can push higher. Check your earnings in real time and cash out whenever you want—most platforms process payouts to your bank in 1-3 days. Track which neighborhoods and times pay best, and plan your schedule around them. If you're on an e-bike, factor in charging time (and electricity cost if you pay it); pedal bikes have zero 'fuel' cost.

7. 07

   Step 7: Maintain your bike and your body

   

   After each shift, wipe down your bike, check tire pressure, and inspect your chain and brakes. A flat tire or broken chain in the middle of a delivery costs you time and money. Carry a spare tube, tire levers, a multi-tool, and a pump or CO2 cartridge.

   Hydrate constantly—carry a water bottle in a cage. Eat before and during long shifts; low blood sugar kills your speed and mood. Stretch your wrists, neck, and lower back between orders. If your knees or wrists hurt, adjust your saddle height and handlebar position, or see a bike-fit specialist. This is a physical job; taking care of yourself means you can work tomorrow.

Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.