Delivery Cyclist Spotted on M58 Hard Shoulder

A shocking video shared with Driver Matty has captured the moment a delivery cyclist was seen pedalling along the hard shoulder of the M58 motorway. The footage, recorded by a passing motorist, shows the rider—complete with a large thermal delivery backpack—navigating the edge of the busy carriageway, seemingly oblivious to the high-speed traffic passing just inches away.

The M58, which connects Greater Manchester and Merseyside, is a major arterial route where speeds frequently reach 70 mph. The presence of a slow-moving bicycle on such a road presents an extreme danger not only to the cyclist but also to vehicle drivers who may have to take evasive action.

A Growing Trend of “Sat-Nav Blunders”

While the specific reasons for this rider’s presence on the M58 remain unclear, similar incidents across the UK are often attributed to delivery riders following “car” settings on navigation apps.

Standard GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze often default to the fastest route, which inevitably includes motorways. If a cyclist fails to toggle their settings to “bicycle” mode, they can be guided onto slip roads and high-speed networks where non-motorised traffic is strictly prohibited.

The Legal Reality

Under the Highway Code, motorways are off-limits to pedestrians, learner drivers, certain slow-moving vehicles, and cyclists. Entering a motorway on a bicycle is a summary offence that can result in:

A roadside fine from the police.
Immediate removal from the motorway network.
Potential prosecution for careless or dangerous road use.

In previous, similar cases, police have noted that even when riders realise their mistake, many continue to the next junction rather than stopping immediately in a safe place to call for assistance, further increasing the risk of a serious collision.

Safety Concerns in the Gig Economy

This latest sighting has reignited discussions regarding the pressure placed on delivery riders within the gig economy. With tight delivery windows and “per-drop” payment structures, riders are often incentivised to take the shortest possible route. However, the use of motorways as “shortcuts” is a gamble that carries potentially fatal consequences.

Motorists who spot cyclists on the motorway are encouraged not to stop themselves, but to contact the police via 999 (if it poses an immediate danger) or 101 to ensure the rider can be safely escorted off the network.

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