Advocacy & Safety - Bicycles & Drive-throughs

Does anyone happen to know for certain whether restaurants can legally prohibit bicycles from using drive-through services in Ontario? I am aware of a number of locations here in Toronto that do not offer bicycle parking facilities (in spite of massive parking lots) nor access to the drive through for cyclists and it struck me that it may be against the Charter of Rights or some other legislation. If the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and other vehicles of all descriptions are permitted to use drive-throughs, why not bicycles?

I've been unsuccesful locating any relevant info on the web, but perhaps I've nopt been searching effectively. Any info any of you might have would be most welcome. I feel a new crusade coming on. :D

In the US they can.
Best bet is to speak with manager and let them know they are loosing your business without bicycle parking or drive up access.
Al

I've had mixed results..
In Melbourne Florida, no one even batted an eye.
In Springfield Massachusetts, I was scolded by an assistant manager*.

*I think she had a Napoleon complex, cuz she was all of 5' nothing, and overly angry given the situation.

Never had an issue! Biggest problem I had was the girl at the window apparently thought my eyes were located below the waist! (She flat told me she loved the spandex!:eek: )

Try calling the store and tell them you are waiting outside. Just a thought.

They have the right (here in the US), and I for one don't see a problem with them exercising that right.
The way I see it, a business can do whatever the hell they want so long as it is not illegal. If they want to enact something that prevents them from getting my money, so be it, I'm sure I'll find one of their competators that does want to take my money.
Now a publicly backed facility, that's a different story.

I asked a guy who used to work at Tim Hortons. The order box can't detect you. It can't even detect motorbikes. I do use bank drive-through ATMs regularly.

I realize none of this really answers your question...

In the US they can. No they can't restrict a drive-through from whoever they want, but they can restrict bicyclists, since they are not a protected class.


The way I see it, a business can do whatever the hell they want so long as it is not illegal.

That was the question.. whether it is illegal or not.

yep. after a few times of already using the drive-through at my credit union, they made me come inside because it was "A safety issue".

Why not just walk inside? What is the drive-thru in question?

As far as I am aware, a business can make whatever rules they like as long as they do not discriminate on the basis of any of the things covered by the Charter (race, gender etc etc)

What gets me are the number of places locally that went to a 24-hour drive-through... and then closed the main doors by 8 or 9 pm! Bad deal for those of us who often work late nights.

I have had the same problem.

US bank here in Columbia Missouri USA does not allow bikes to use the drive thru. They have no walk up window and the lobby closes 1 hour before the drive thru.

It really makes me mad but I hate switching banks.

they can restrict bicyclists, since they are not a protected class.

In the USA "protected class" usually means a religion, sex, race/color, national origin, or physical disability (and sometimes sexual orientation). In other first-world countries, I believe the laws are similar.

Aside from antidiscrimination laws that only cover "protected classes" people can usually make any kind of stupid rule about how not to use their privately owned property.


I feel a crusade coming on.

Most businesses are out to make as much money as possible. If they can be convinced that their policies are costing them a significant amount of money or if they're getting negative attention that will cost them money, they'll change. Maybe you can use that to your advantage.

Just tell them that you are in a race (a big bike race) and then you will be a constitutionally-protected class, against which they shall not discriminate.

Thanks for all the replies.

It wasn't a big issue with me or anything like that. I was just curious what issues there would be if a bike was to use a drive through. It's not likely that a cyclist would be run over or anything, so where is the danger issue they claim? I mean, vehicles are going slow through the narrow entranceway and stopping at the box. Or are they (the restaurant) presuming that their customers are such poor drivers that anything in their path even at 1-2 km/h is likely to get mowed down? I couldn't see anything other than that a bike isn't heavy enough to trigger the ringer or something. Surely, they could come up with something so that motorcycles and bicycles could activate the ringer. Or, of course, they could put in bike-racks to lock up to. Motorists can park 10 feet from the door, but the nearest lock up for bikes is halfway across the parking lot. It's the motorists that need the exercise, not us. :)

where is the danger issue they claim?
Probably insurance.

Thanks for all the replies.

It wasn't a big issue with me or anything like that. I was just curious what issues there would be if a bike was to use a drive through. It's not likely that a cyclist would be run over or anything, so where is the danger issue they claim? I mean, vehicles are going slow through the narrow entranceway and stopping at the box. Or are they (the restaurant) presuming that their customers are such poor drivers that anything in their path even at 1-2 km/h is likely to get mowed down? I couldn't see anything other than that a bike isn't heavy enough to trigger the ringer or something. Surely, they could come up with something so that motorcycles and bicycles could activate the ringer. Or, of course, they could put in bike-racks to lock up to. Motorists can park 10 feet from the door, but the nearest lock up for bikes is halfway across the parking lot. It's the motorists that need the exercise, not us. :)

Well I kinda agree with the danger issue that the restaurant expresses. Not everyone is a poor driver but many of them is (speaking from experience). I've repeatly have to suffer with speeding motorist passing my drive-thru window. You would be suprised at how often these people don't even look around when they are driving up to the windows. Yet another hassle that I have to endure :mad: Usually I have the window fully open and me leaning slightly out of it with my arm clearly sticking out of the window to signal them and STILL a lot of them passes me and don't notice me at all until I have to shout and let them know that they have missed me.

At least the other half is mostly the nice regulars that usually help bring a smile, especially on a nice day with the motorist facing the majestic pike peak mountain range to the west. (I've also learned here that not most people are a complete JACKA$$ which was a nice suprise)

So even if I was hearing and could understand enough to use the frive through regularly, I would NOT try it with a bicycle at all.

P.S. I work at the taco bell nearby and despite being deaf, I can speak well enough to do most of the cashier's monetary responsibility.

P.S.S. The statement about the sensor not sensing the bike or motorcycle is a complete bull (at least for my taco bell) though. Sometime when I cleans the lots before opening time, just passing by it would activate it. (though at the time the cashier headset wasn't on). If you go thru a empty drive through with a vehicle, try getting out and just walking in front of it just to see if it would work.

Well I kinda agree with the danger issue that the restaurant expresses. Not everyone is a poor driver but many of them is (speaking from experience).
Just look at any of those cement poles guarding the windows -- I have yet to see one that doesn't have marks from where some bonehead hit it.

Even if I want to just grab some food to go, I find that it is often faster to go inside. Why wait a few minutes to be served in a line when you can walk straight in and get taken care of right away?

Having said that, I have taken my velomobile through the drivethrough just to be a wiseguy. The reaction is overwhelmingly positive when it is not curiosity.

What restaurants will let you bring your bike inside? Any in particular?

My local bank has never had a problem with my bike. Walgreens is a different story - the last time I went there they said no and I had to park my bike and go inside for my prescription pickup. Another reason not to like Walgreens.

Reasons to not go inside:

1. Drive thru open but inside is not.
2. No place to lock up bike.
3. Don't feel like standing in line inside dripping sweat and stanking like mad after biking 8 miles in 95 degree heat wearing the same clothes that I biked to work in 9 hours ago.

Well I kinda agree with the danger issue that the restaurant expresses. Not everyone is a poor driver but many of them is (speaking from experience). I've repeatly have to suffer with speeding motorist passing my drive-thru window. You would be suprised at how often these people don't even look around when they are driving up to the windows. Yet another hassle that I have to endure :mad: Usually I have the window fully open and me leaning slightly out of it with my arm clearly sticking out of the window to signal them and STILL a lot of them passes me and don't notice me at all until I have to shout and let them know that they have missed me.

At least the other half is mostly the nice regulars that usually help bring a smile, especially on a nice day with the motorist facing the majestic pike peak mountain range to the west. (I've also learned here that not most people are a complete JACKA$$ which was a nice suprise)

So even if I was hearing and could understand enough to use the frive through regularly, I would NOT try it with a bicycle at all.

P.S. I work at the taco bell nearby and despite being deaf, I can speak well enough to do most of the cashier's monetary responsibility.

P.S.S. The statement about the sensor not sensing the bike or motorcycle is a complete bull (at least for my taco bell) though. Sometime when I cleans the lots before opening time, just passing by it would activate it. (though at the time the cashier headset wasn't on). If you go thru a empty drive through with a vehicle, try getting out and just walking in front of it just to see if it would work.

I can see what you and some others are saying, but it sounds to me like blaming the victim. I mean, so because there are reckless, distracted motorists who can't handle their vehicles, others are inconvenienced or not granted the same convenience these foolish, fat, lazy morons are afforded. That makes sense. Cater to the moron and reward the moron for their idiocy.

But really, their real reason for denying a legal vehicle the same convenience as all others is the prevailing view that bicycles are essentially pedestrians and not really vehicles at all. Sounds like prejudice to me

I can see what you and some others are saying, but it sounds to me like blaming the victim. I mean, so because there are reckless, distracted motorists who can't handle their vehicles, others are inconvenienced or not granted the same convenience these foolish, fat, lazy morons are afforded. That makes sense. Cater to the moron and reward the moron for their idiocy.


This happens all the time. Try tinting the windows on your car really dark because you want to preserve the interior, keep the car cooler, and keep thieves from spying your stuff and then getting that car inspected. All because a criminal, who does not care about the tint law and will tint his windows dark anyway, migh hide something from an officer.

Those of us that have gone to driving school, practice on closed courses, understand the priviledge, and know how to focus on the job at hand, still face a restrictive set of laws because most people are reckless and distracted.


There is a local uproar about people getting run over on a local road. This road is a main artery, eight lanes wide. Most of the people were crossing late at night, none of them were cossing at the marked walks or even near them. So the solution is to add a another crosswalk and drop the speed limit.

Bicycles have tabs on the fork to keep the wheel from falling out when the user is to dumb to operate the QR properly. Many bikes have springs in the J-tube on the front brake, reducing power, to keep people from flipping over the handlebar when they operate the brake like an on/off switch.

For what it is worth I have been refused service at a drivethru, when on a motorcycle and on foot as well as on a bike.

If denied the use of a drive-through, ask on what basis the rule is based and have them quote the rule. Many companies have the rule that say customers must be in a vehicle in order to use the drive-through. Then be prepared to qute chapter & verse of the relevant laws on how a cyclist is a vehicle on the road in the eyes of the law.

Escalate the debate to the highest ranking manager on site. Boycott the business, or, if you are frisky enough, get the local press involved in the issue. Or at least let management know you intend to. Have fun with it & give them hell for their silly rules.

If denied the use of a drive-through, ask on what basis the rule is based and have them quote the rule. Many companies have the rule that say customers must be in a vehicle in order to use the drive-through. Then be prepared to qute chapter & verse of the relevant laws on how a cyclist is a vehicle on the road in the eyes of the law.

Escalate the debate to the highest ranking manager on site. Boycott the business, or, if you are frisky enough, get the local press involved in the issue. Or at least let management know you intend to. Have fun with it & give them hell for their silly rules.

I've decided that I will inquire and confront the local businesses on this issue: calmly, rationally and logically, of course, but with maybe a dramatic display should it be necessary. Perhaps I'll bring my long recumbent bike right inside the restaurant---especially when it's busy---and, when challenged, advise that because there are no nearby facilities to secure my bike and I am denied the convenience of the drive through, they have forced me to bring my bike inside. It'll make an impression, at the very least. :D

Perhaps I'll bring my long recumbent bike right inside the restaurant---especially when it's busy---and, when challenged, advise that because there are no nearby facilities to secure my bike and I am denied the convenience of the drive through, they have forced me to bring my bike inside. It'll make an impression, at the very least. :D
Would it be safe to assume that you don't really want to eat at that restaurant now, or in the future?

Would it be safe to assume that you don't really want to eat at that restaurant now, or in the future?

Whether I want to or not is irrelevant. It's a matter of principle.

:)

Most restaurants reserve the right to refuse service to anyone; they're a private business and can't be forced to serve you. There are laws against discriminating soley on the basis of race, gender, etc. but I doubt there's a law against discriminating against cyclists.

Whether I want to or not is irrelevant. It's a matter of principle.

:)
That might be the answer you receive too;:rolleyes: as the restaraunt owner tosses your bike out the door after you.:eek:

I've never had a problem using my bike in a drive-through here in Charleston, nor have I ever heard of anyone who has.

Must be the Walgreen manager near you. I've used the drive through pharmacy several times with no problem. I've also walked my bike inside, left it parked in an out of the way place and did my business. The manager said hi as I walked by with my bike upon exit.

My local bank has never had a problem with my bike. Walgreens is a different story - the last time I went there they said no and I had to park my bike and go inside for my prescription pickup. Another reason not to like Walgreens.

Interesting. The one time I have had an issue with bringing my bike inside with me, it was at my local Rite-Aid. I went to another one about 4 miles down the road, checking with the manager first about bringing the bike inside. The nearer Rite-Aid had a manager/assistant manager who was vehement that bringing my bike inside would create 'dangerous conditions', and that it would also encourage those nasty teenagers with bikes (her words, NOT mine).

The manager of the slightly further away Rite-Aid was more than happy to let me know that if I wanted to bring my bike in with me, he was more than happy to have me do so. He also told me that if I wanted to leave it where he could keep an eye on it, he would be delighted to do so :) .

You can probably guess where I take my business now.

East Hill

What gets me are the number of places locally that went to a 24-hour drive-through... and then closed the main doors by 8 or 9 pm! Bad deal for those of us who often work late nights.

That makes perfect sense in some areas. There was a Col. Sanders on East Colfax near the state capitol bldg. with inch+ polycarbonate bullet resistant material for its walk up and drive thru services. They needed it too. Food and cash were passed thru a device like a rotary airlock.

Hi all,

I was 40 miles into ride this morning, warm here in Arizona and both bottles were dry 40 miles in. I decided to pull into the closest place I could find which was a burger king. This is at 9:50am I figured the place must be pretty quiet so I rounded the drive through for a refill of my bottle. Well as I round the corner of the building there was a single vehicle at the window driver had his arm rested on the door waiting for his food. I unclipped a foot unscrewed my bottle lid and politely asked the guy in the car if he could ask the girl to get me some water. I said it in a friendly way I was in no hurry, He bluntly said NO! in a rather nasty tone. Right after he said no, he said don't you know the rules no bikes in a drive through idiot and followed that with get the F __ K away from my car Ace hole and started driving away. I said what ever F-- k off then, he was about 30 feet away when he slammed on the brakes, stuck his head out the window and drove in reverse until he made sure he hit my front wheel pointing and telling me not to do that again. I couldn't move out of the way fast enough so I just braced myself and he popped my wheel and jerked my forks pretty hard. Well the girl working at B-king was yelling at him and he hauled away up the street. Well I called the cops gave his plate number and his name since the b-king employee gave me his receipt with his name, credit card number and expiration date on it. Cop called me later and the guy had given his version of not knowing his car was in reverse and as he was yelling at me hit the gas and accidentally hit me, also he used to work at Wendys and bicycle weren't allowed in the drive through. I'm not sure if I should have my forks inspected (orbea orca) and the cops aren't going to do crap. B-king drive through surveillance camera aren't working, but the girl working the drive through said she watched the guy hit me. I checked the b-king drive and it says nothing in writing, signs or window stickers about bikes not being allowed, plus the girl gave me water without hesitation. I don't want to loose my bike to carbon analysis, but I don't want to ride a possibly cracked steer tube either. Scary world, I'm bummed the guy didn't get at least a ticket for hit and run or something. I'm not sure how to go about getting him punished for using his car as a weapon. :mad:

That makes perfect sense in some areas. There was a Col. Sanders on East Colfax near the state capitol bldg. with inch+ polycarbonate bullet resistant material for its walk up and drive thru services. They needed it too. Food and cash were passed thru a device like a rotary airlock.

I'm Canadian. We consider it a high crime area if there is one incident - ever. I can't imagin a fast food place having so many problems it needs to resort to that! If Ottawa ever gets that way, I'm moving.

Hi all,

I was 40 miles into ride this morning, warm here in Arizona and both bottles were dry 40 miles in. I decided to pull into the closest place I could find which was a burger king. This is at 9:50am I figured the place must be pretty quiet so I rounded the drive through for a refill of my bottle. Well as I round the corner of the building there was a single vehicle at the window driver had his arm rested on the door waiting for his food. I unclipped a foot unscrewed my bottle lid and politely asked the guy in the car if he could ask the girl to get me some water. I said it in a friendly way I was in no hurry, He bluntly said NO! in a rather nasty tone. Right after he said no, he said don't you know the rules no bikes in a drive through idiot and followed that with get the F __ K away from my car Ace hole and started driving away. I said what ever F-- k off then, he was about 30 feet away when he slammed on the brakes, stuck his head out the window and drove in reverse until he made sure he hit my front wheel pointing and telling me not to do that again. I couldn't move out of the way fast enough so I just braced myself and he popped my wheel and jerked my forks pretty hard. Well the girl working at B-king was yelling at him and he hauled away up the street. Well I called the cops gave his plate number and his name since the b-king employee gave me his receipt with his name, credit card number and expiration date on it. Cop called me later and the guy had given his version of not knowing his car was in reverse and as he was yelling at me hit the gas and accidentally hit me, also he used to work at Wendys and bicycle weren't allowed in the drive through. I'm not sure if I should have my forks inspected (orbea orca) and the cops aren't going to do crap. B-king drive through surveillance camera aren't working, but the girl working the drive through said she watched the guy hit me. I checked the b-king drive and it says nothing in writing, signs or window stickers about bikes not being allowed, plus the girl gave me water without hesitation. I don't want to loose my bike to carbon analysis, but I don't want to ride a possibly cracked steer tube either. Scary world, I'm bummed the guy didn't get at least a ticket for hit and run or something. I'm not sure how to go about getting him punished for using his car as a weapon. :mad:
Ask to speak with a shift supervisor at the PD. Tell him what happened, and that you've got an eyewitness, and that you want this guy charged for vehicular assault. If he doesn't want to listen, then request a copy of the police report. If there's anything of substance in the report, you can pay the prosecutors office a call.

Alternatively, take the report, get a statement from the girl in the drive-thru, get a nice hefty estimate for the damages, AND SUE THE SHYTE OUTTA' THE BASTID!!!:D

It's legal to use a drive through if you can demonstrate that you can hold a super sized beverage between your legs.

It's legal to use a drive through if you can demonstrate that you can hold a super sized beverage between your legs.
HAHAHAHA!!! ROFLMAO!:D

Hi all,

I was 40 miles into ride this morning, warm here in Arizona and both bottles were dry 40 miles in. I decided to pull into the closest place I could find which was a burger king. This is at 9:50am I figured the place must be pretty quiet so ..........................I don't want to loose my bike to carbon analysis, but I don't want to ride a possibly cracked steer tube either. Scary world, I'm bummed the guy didn't get at least a ticket for hit and run or something. I'm not sure how to go about getting him punished for using his car as a weapon. :mad:


Get a new fork, contact his insurance agency or sue him in small claims court. You have a witness and by the sounds of it the perp admits to hitting you even though it was an "accident".

I must be spoiled. I regularly just lean my bike against a tree or suitable support and go inside. Occasionally, in an area with a bit more traffic I'll throw my cheap kids lock on it.

Wonders of a small town.

I guess all over the country, it's a different story as far as this pressing issue goes.
I did it once and threw a little hissy fit over their refusal.
Now, I either collect intel on others doing it, or just head down to In'N'Out for a 3x3 with Animal Style.
At least they keep both the dining room and drive-thru, both, open until 0130.
I'm a late night trucker/gym enthusiast, so my palate must be satisfied.
Aside from where to park my bicycle, I'm more concerned about where to park a Freightliner once I''ve depleted my 11/14 for the day.
I'm fighting a war on two fronts people!!!

They're allowed to restrict which vehicles go through their drive-through. They're not obligated to provide a drive-through at all! It's a convience they provide for lazy ass motorists who've gotten so lazy they can't even walk to the front counter.

But you as a consumer have a right as well: The right to not go there anymore. If you don't like their policies, simply don't spend your money there. When it comes right down to it: it's your money and there's no reason they should dictate how you spend your money.

So the question really comes down to picking one of the following:

1 - You really like the food they serve and you're willing to put up with their rules to get it.
or
2 - You exercise your rights as a consumer and go elsewhere.

Just don't hang out in Overbrook

Cheap rent, but so not worth the savings.


If Ottawa ever gets that way, I'm moving.

Yeah, most drive-through restaurants will refuse service to bikes because of liability factors. So much litigation here and there, they just want to play it safe and not risk getting themselves sued.



Hi all,

I was 40 miles into ride this morning, ...I should have my forks inspected (orbea orca) and the cops aren't going to do crap...
:cry: Not the Orca!

That motorist sickens me. I hope he gets time behind bars along with a hefty fine. People like that are unfit to live in a society of humans. I am truly sorry over your loss and the incompetence of the police officers.

If you want play fire with fire, you could take the guy's CC number and order a new Orca along with a really nice racing wheelset...Is fraud an indictable offense? Well so should attempted murder with a lethal weapon. I'd love to see him charged with that.

For what it is worth I have been refused service at a drivethru, when on a motorcycle and on foot as well as on a bike.

I was going to ask if anyone had ever been refused service on a motor bike. I really don't get why they would refuse anyone on any type of vehicle.

Caruso

Hi all,

I unclipped a foot unscrewed my bottle lid and politely asked the guy in the car if he could ask the girl to get me some water.

The guy was wrong to curse at you (and you at him), and he certainly was wrong and out of control when he backed into your bike, but, had you asked me to pass your water bottle to the waitress, I would probably have also refused. Would it be acceptable for another motorist to pull along side and ask some driver at the window to request a glass of water?

I would be inclined to expect that you would wait your turn - it's the polite thing to do.

Caruso

Hi all,

I'm not sure if I should have my forks inspected (orbea orca) and the cops aren't going to do crap. B-king drive through surveillance camera aren't working, but the girl working the drive through said she watched the guy hit me. I checked the b-king drive and it says nothing in writing, signs or window stickers about bikes not being allowed, plus the girl gave me water without hesitation. I don't want to loose my bike to carbon analysis, but I don't want to ride a possibly cracked steer tube either. Scary world, I'm bummed the guy didn't get at least a ticket for hit and run or something. I'm not sure how to go about getting him punished for using his car as a weapon. :mad:

First, call Internal Affairs and report the officer who refused to pursue the matter for dereliction of duty.

Second, make an appointment with someone in the Public Prosecutor's Office and file a complaint personally. (Most people don't know that any citizen has the right to do this.)

Third, contact an attorney about a civil suit against the creep.

I know one major issue with drive throughs, especially with newer drive-thru windows, ones without a camera at the menu box, is that the sensors often have throuble detecting smaller vehicles and no one will be able to tell you're there. When I worked at Wendy's in college We'd sometimes have people who would be to far from the curb and would never get detected even though they were in an actual car.

I did find this funny though. The other day I noticed the McDonalds near me has a bike rack. However it is located on this narrow sidwalk between to rows of parking spaces. If your like is only an foot long you might be able to fit it on the rack. Nice, lets have a rack but place it in the most useless part of the parking lot.

I got turned away from the Wendy's drive-through last night.

That's fine, I parked the bike in front of their door, locked it onto the railing and went inside to get my 2 Ceasar side salads.

I didn't make a big fuss about the drive-though policy or anything, I wanted their side salad so I put up with the rules, which aren't really that bad anyway. Didn't bother me.