Refusing Service to Cyclists

I saw this post the other night and emailed a friend that owns a fast
food place, with a drive-thru, near a boardwalk and heavily used area
by people on bikes. I asked him if his place allowed people on bikes
to use the drive-thru. He said yes. He then immediately said,
without being asked, "but most won't because of the higher liability
insurance rates. He said the rates went up a good percentage (I don't
remember what he said, so I'm not going to post a guess) to allow walk
ups and not motorized vehciles to use the drive-thru. He also said he
had to pay a higher rate to allow people on skates/rollarblads inside
his place.

He said he would not have considered paying the higher rates, but the
number of people on bikes and skates made the price worth it, given
the area his place is located. I guess the Wendy's you went to does
not feel it was worth it for the higher rate. This is the same reason
why you don't see too many Sonic locations that have employees on
rollar skates like the commercials constantly show.

I wasnt going to post here because I didnt really have an opinion on
this either way but now I do.

My wife and I had to stop at Checkers the other night for dinner. We
pulled up and ordered and then pulled up further only to see 2 bikes
parked in front of us and the riders were standing at the window.

I am normally a very cautious driver and I nearly ran into the bikes
because after taking the turn they were parked to the right and I
barely saw them through the bushes.

The thing that erked me was after they got their food it took them
over 5 minutes to figure out how to pack the food on the bikes without
dropping anything. One held the bags and drinks while the other one
packed them into the small bags on the side of the bike. Then they
tried to hold the drinks and bags and tried to take off, but that
didnt work so they had to reorganize everything. It was actually
slightly comical if not annoying.

The least they could have done was move the bikes to the side and
figured it out instead of holding up a line. And if your going to get
off the bikes and walk up the window anyway, just go inside.

It's even more ridiculous at Checkers because there is no inside and
it's a walk up window. The really had no business being in the drive
thru lane!

It is not discrimination it is safety. Park your bike and walk in.

It's ridiculous to say it's discrimination, that would only be true if
they refused to serve any cyclists who came in either by car or into
the store itself. Refusing to serve anything but cars in the drive
thru is a wise and prudent decision on the part of corporate decision
making.

Get off the bike, park it and go in and get your food. Cars only in
the drive thru is a rule that's been around for dozens of years. It's
not anything new.

On one hand, Cyclists at least in Alberat are considered legal road
vehicles - we are not allowed on sidewalks, we abide by any road-usage
laws (IE, speed limits, turning signals and stoplights) even though
many dont.

On the other hand, I always puzzled this myself - when I worked in FF
I was told it was a 'security' issue... that they can reach through
the window and grab money. But all the tills I've ever worked at, only
the Human Spider or a really long arm could reach it without putting
themselves halfway through the window.

Another excuse I heard was 'safety', which I agree is somewhat an
issue.

I do think bikes SHOULD be let through drive through. Its no different
than an unpowered motorcycle IMHO. Many times I've wanted late night
munchines and the A&W's 24hour drive through taunted me. THey were
nice enough to let me go through anyways at least though.

With all due respect, why would you not just park your bike and go
inside? I don't understand why you are even raising this issue. If
Wendy's policy bothers you that much, then go somewhere else. That
policy is in place for a reason. And no, it's NOT discrimination.

It's called a lobby.

If you can't figure out why a 200 lb man on a 50 lb bike vs. a 3000 lb
car is a bad idea, (and further to suggest its discriminatory) then I
really don't know what to tell you.

They have every right to refuse service to whomever they wish,
including you and every other cyclist out there.

They have to ensure your safety while you are on their premises. By
going through the drive-thru with a bike, you could be putting Wendy's
in legal danger if another customer were to hit you with their car.

Back in the mid '70's, we rode our horses everywhere. The McDonald's
finally put up several hitching posts to tie the horses to where they
could be seen and watched through the windows. They would not allow
them through the drive through. We did try. And of course we could not
bring them in. Worked out very nicely for all. Perhaps Wendy's needs
to install a bike rack.

I'm going to throw a few comments out there, Joshua. Please don't
think I am attacking you in a ny way:

1. My home city has an ordinance stating that motor vehicles only are
allowed in the drive-thru. That may have been the case, Joshua. The
ordinance may include scoffing after enforcing said policy. You might
want to check on that.

2. It is not discrimination, that is, unless prior to ordering the #3
with a diet coke (biggie-sized, of course), you filled out a
questionnaire indicating income and assets. If you did and they denied
you service specifically for those reasons, then yes, that would be
discrimination.

3. They do have a walk thru, complete with sit-in area. As an added
bonus you can actually see them putting your order together.

I dont get it this is a drive thru, not a walk up or a ride through
I have seen local burger kings and and others service MOTORCYCLISTS,
but not bicyclists.

However, if you were injured by a vehicle in the drive through ...
would they be liable for the damages?

That may be something else to consider. YOU may not personally
consider pressing charges but others may.

My concern would be breathing the exhaust fumes while awaiting the
order. But saying that, it's not bordering illegal, but understand and
sympathize with your plight.All the best.

Joshua- I agree with you 100 percent. I do not have a vehicle, i
cannot afford one. I believe that there should be a law in place
making it illegal to refuse service based on these grounds.

I do not buy their "safety" argument. I have a headlight and
taillight, and use them at night. If a driver behind you cant see you
from ten feet during broad daylight, they have no business behind the
wheel.

You have my support, i too am tired of being discriminated against and
treated like a second class citizen because i only make $14,000 a year
and cant afford a car.

Please, don't put all the blame on the person behind the counter, you
have no idea what they may have dealt with during their shift, they
are also simply following orders.

The rich owners class needs to listen up and stop crapping all over
their customers, no matter how poor we are.

Sigh. "illegal"? You go find the statute and quote it. yeah, I
thought so.

They have the right to enforce this rule. IT'S NOT DISCRIMINATION.
Geez I hate that word getting thrown around. Knock it iff.

This is a safety issue--for the customer's safety.

They also will not allow walk-ups, or pushing-in-grocery-store-carts
customer.

When I'm in a drive-thru, I expect that the customer in front of me is
using a motorized vehicle, with brake lights. I'm not expecting a kid
on a bike or a parent pushing a double stroller.

Also--most DT ordering areas respond to weight on the sensor. How
were you, on a bike, able to trigger the sensor?

It is not borderline illegal and most likely an insurance regulation.
It's a drive thru, not a ride thru. I'm sure if you were there on
your bike and a car came around and hit you you'd be first in line to
sue.

Borderline illegal???

They have the right to refuse service.

The walk through is called the lobby


good day