A delivery rider in Qingdao expressed delight upon receiving a New Year gift package from the platform on the morning of February 10, which included a smartwatch and cash rewards. Tan Ruigang, who previously worked in a packaging factory, began delivering food through Meituan last year, citing higher income and flexible hours as key advantages. The schedule allows him to transport his young son and daughter to and from school while his wife works part-time. Having witnessed multiple traffic accidents during deliveries, Tan emphasizes safety, stating that he must not worry his family. He proactively slows down at traffic lights and only accepts orders within his capacity to ensure safe completion. Due to his strong safety awareness and standardized riding habits, Tan was recognized by the platform and participated in a rider celebration event in Qingdao on February 4.
Starting at 8 a.m. on February 10, Meituan began sending thank-you letters to over one million riders for their efforts in 2025 and distributed New Year gift packages—including Huawei smartwatches, cash rewards, and family health insurance—to hundreds who strictly followed traffic rules. A Meituan representative stated that these incentives aim to promote the platform's values and encourage more riders to adhere to traffic regulations while prioritizing safety. The initiative continues the "No Red Light Running" safety campaign launched in 2025, which has attracted over 400,000 participants. More than 100 riders who completed 10,000 orders without running a red light received a grand prize of 8,888 yuan. As a result, red-light violations among Meituan riders have decreased significantly since the start of the year, with speeding and逆行 rates also falling for several consecutive months.
Wu Jiameng, a rider in Wuhan who moved from Xiaogan in 2025, works 9–10 hours daily in the city's Caidian District. He appreciates the flexible, performance-based income and sets monthly delivery targets for himself. Another rider, Xu Anxiong, with six years of experience, also values safe and standardized delivery practices. Both riders highlighted the need for "defensive driving" in Wuhan's complex traffic environment, where sudden lane changes by cars are common. They stress the importance of staying alert and avoiding rushing, which can increase risks. On February 5, Wu and Xu attended a rider gathering in Wuhan, where they received gifts such as rice, cooking oil, and holiday packages.
In addition to traffic-compliant riders, those with stable delivery performance and high customer ratings are eligible for cash rewards, winter gear, and health insurance benefits during the Spring Festival. Distribution began on February 10, and eligible riders can claim rewards until March 3. The platform has prepared contingency plans to address potential issues like delayed transfers, app delays, or voucher redemption problems, aiming to ensure a smooth experience for riders nationwide.
At a rider event in Ningbo, Xie Liming, an instructor from the local traffic police department, commended the platform's safety awards, noting that such recognition boosts societal respect for delivery riders and sets a positive example. In recent years, Meituan has worked with traffic authorities nationwide to enhance rider safety through preventive measures, real-time support, and post-incident management. The company regularly provides online safety training, with annual participation exceeding 300 million riders, and distributes smart helmets equipped with Bluetooth headsets and automatic taillights. Helmet-wearing compliance remains above 95%. Since 2023, Meituan's rider app has included voice alerts for speeding, night riding, and high-risk areas. The system also identifies riders in need of assistance, offering both online and offline support.
Meituan combines incentives and penalties to encourage compliance. A "safety score" system, now trialed in nearly 200 cities, deducts points for violations like speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, or not wearing a helmet, while safe riding accumulates points redeemable for benefits such as exemption cards. The platform also shares data with traffic police in 11 cities, including Dongguan, Fuzhou, and Suzhou, to accurately identify violations and apply appropriate restrictions. In Ningbo, a collaborative platform between traffic authorities and delivery companies has been in place since 2021, sharing violation and order data to strengthen internal oversight. In 2025, the Ningbo Traffic Police and Meituan signed a cooperation agreement, integrating digital management at the local level.
To help riders manage time and reduce pressure, Meituan implemented anti-fatigue mechanisms, removed penalties for late deliveries, and allowed riders to block abusive customers in 2025. The company plans to further optimize processes for handling delivery exceptions and appeals, offering additional benefits to high-performing riders while empowering them with more autonomy and choice.