Originally Posted by
Mobile 155
The bigger problem may be why the business doesn't allow walking or cycling in a drive through. If it is simply policy just maybe someone will be willing to change it. If it is corporate policy the manager my not be able to change it. If it is because of insurance regulations it wouldn't be worth it to change it.
Some insurance companies may not be willing to cover the store without the policy in place. Finding an insurance company that will may cost the owners more than they would make through letting the prohibition drop. Some of these rules are set by people not even attached to the store.
"Company policy" is often cited even when there is no company policy, simply as a way to say no without having to say why. Likewise, people will blame the insurance carrier, even when that's also nonsense. The general premises liability covers people who may be injured on the property regardless of the reason. These businesses don't have guards in at the driveway, so have no means to prevent a cyclist from riding into the parking lot and getting injured. Most or just about all don't even have signs saying "no bicycles allowed in the parking lot". So if the business would allow you to ride into the parking lot and lock your bike against that part of the building, there's no added risk exposure in serving you at the window.
Don't read this as arguing that they are in some small way obligated to serve you at a drive up window, I don't believe they are. But I hope it helps clear the brush, and help you focus on establishing a friendly dialogue and "sell" the idea that it's a no harm-no foul way for them to serve a segment of the potential market, just as the window is there to serve people who prefer not to leave their cars.
This isn't about rules, it's about dialogue and mutual accommodation.