Rant -- "Bank Drive-thru is for motorized vehicles only!"

[VeloVT]

So, on my way to run other errands this afternoon, I stopped by the bank to make a deposit. Of course, I went through the drivethrough. There was only one other car (there are two tellers), and no lines. They took forever to process my order, which I couldn't understand, given how few customers were there... until the teller said, through the PA, "Liza, next time you come, you're going to have to use the lobby." I said "what?" and she said, "you can't bring your bike in the drivethrough." Of course, I am terrible at coming up with a quick reply that is at all articulate or convincing when I'm flustered, so I said, "but that doesn't make any sense!". Another woman comes over and says, "i'll explain. you can't take your bike through the drivethrough." Thanks, that was a much better explanation, I didn't get that before!!! I said nothing but looked indignant, and she said, "the drivethrough is for motorized vehicles only." I didn't feel like arguing and also didn't think it was a battle that would be won talking over the speaker system, so I just said "OK" and left.

But seriously, I tried to think through the rationale for this policy and I really can't come up with a good argument why bikes shouldn't be permitted.
--I am no slower than a car would be in the drivethrough.
--I can hold a line and follow traffic rules just as well as a car can.
--I am just as visible to other cars as a car would be, in that setting.
--Like cars, I entered via traffic and will exit via traffic. They only offer this service to cars because it is more convenient not to have to find a parking spot and get out of the car -- but hey, if I'm on a bike, why don't I deserve the same convenience? Like cars, I was on my way to run other errands, so I wanted to be as efficient as possible.

Has this happened to anyone else? Has anyone heard a plausible argument for it? I am not denying that there could be a plausible argument, but they didn't give me one and I'm having a hard time coming up with one.

I am partly tempted to write the bank a letter explaining in a more articulate fashion why I think they should reconsider this policy, but I probably won't because I imagine it will be discounted as some crazy rant.

Arrghhh. It miffed me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Next time, bring your bike into the bank with you and see what they say then.

Do they provide bike racks in a safe location at the bank?

[dex]

I'm guessing they see it as a liability issue. If they allow mixed traffic in the drive-through lanes, and someone gets hit, they could be sued.

At least, this is the reason often cited by fast food restaurants who won't allow walk-ups or bicycles in their drive-throughs.

[soprano]

I've used the drive-thru at my credit union many a time. The tellers seem to think that it's great. I will say, however, that I dislike standing in the fumes generated by the idling motorists.

Under the law, a cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as any other vehicle. One would think that would be good enough for the bank.

[alpinerabbit]

Next time, bring your bike into the bank with you and see what they say then.
+1, and if they won't let you, insist on talking to the manager.

Maybe they wouldn't want other drivers to complain about you - but since there were none - what the heck.

[dex]

Under the law, a cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as any other vehicle. One would think that would be good enough for the bank.

Keep in mind that a bank (or any business) is generally located on private property. And it's quite likely that their insurance policy only covers motorized vehicles in the drive-through.

[maillotpois]

I bet Dex is completely right. liability/insurance issue. you'd be surprised at the sort of claims that arise in drive throughs - we've seen some. crazy. a bike does "seem" more vulnerable than a car in that sort of setting, and I bet they've got an exclusion in their insurance policy.

[KBIKES]

I used the drivethrough on my bike at a bank numerous times before they said I couldn't do that. Just said I couldn't. This branch had a way of making it's own rules outside the parent corporate "rules". They said the Comptroller was in charge of liability. He basically said there was no insurance issue but couldn't understand the concept of riding a bike on a road of all places! Left that bank. The branch manager was fired and the bank no longer exists.

[Jolt]

I've ridden through the drive-through many times at my bank and nobody has ever had a problem with it. The only time anyone has commented on it at all was this past Saturday--the teller said "What's the gas mileage on that thing?", which was amusing (especially since that was the second such comment I had gotten that morning while out on errands). Maybe it just depends on the bank; this is a smaller local one. I certainly don't see any reason for it to be a problem unless it's an insurance thing (and even then it's pretty stupid).

[tulip]

Insurance is the reason. Many banks have an ATM on the sidewalk for pedestrians--will that work for you? Otherwise, I'd just bring my bike inside. Or bring a lock and lock it up outside.

[OakLeaf]

Use the drive-up ATM. It won't refuse to serve you.

If their insurance really had an exclusion, they'd post a sign (as they do in parking garages with the drop-down gates).

If they want to make an issue of it (charging one of their customers with trespassing, maybe? ;)) let them.

I use the drive-through at a national chain pharmacy all the time. If anyone has insurance issues, you know they do.

[SadieKate]

From the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation --

http://www.biketraffic.org/biketraffic/BT0203/

Bank Holds Up Biker
But finds it doesn't pay
By Angela Hahn

It was a typical summer day, filled with typical daily errands when Michael Abraham of Waukegan made his way to the Zion branch of First Midwest Bank. He was the first one in line at the drive-up teller, with no cars in front of him, so it was much to his surprise when the teller told Abraham that his business was not welcome. Abraham was on a bike.

"I was really pissed — they were making me go all the way back to my home, just to get in my car and make my way all the way back to where I already was," said Abraham.

Abraham called the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. According to the Federation's Mark Counselman, they encouraged Abraham to contact the bank's branch manager, who told Abraham that their insurance plan precluded them from allowing bicycles at the drive-through teller. But Abraham was a former risk manager, and to him that explanation smelled fishy.

So Abraham and Counselman did some research. "What we found across the board are banks enforcing unwritten policies barring cyclists and making references to insurance as the reasoning," said Counselman.

Neither Counselman nor Abraham found any insurers who actually had a position on bikes at drive-throughs. Furthermore, Counselman could find no history of injuries, hazards or claims resulting from cyclists banking at the drive-through teller. In other words, these "unwritten policies" seem rooted in misconceptions rather then facts.

"If there were a real danger, insurers would be the first to know about it," said Counselman. "If a bank can improve customer service by doing something with no real indication of being dangerous, that's good business. Cyclists and motorists share roads every day, why not at a teller window?"

So Abraham had reason on his side. And if that wasn't enough to sway the bank, he could make his argument even more compelling.

"I wasn't going to take 'No' for an answer," said Abraham, a First Midwest Bank stock holder. Not only would he move his money, but Abraham "was prepared to enter a stockholder resolution if I had to."

The bank agreed to a compromise. Bank officials told Abraham that customers on bikes would be able to use the drive-through teller when the lobby was closed. Still a bit skeptical, Abraham decided to test out this new policy two weeks later and happily found that the drive-up tellers graciously accepted his business.

Thanks to Abraham Abraham's persistence, Chicagoland has one more bike friendly business. So, the question is: Does YOUR bank allow cyclists to use the drive-up teller? Give it a whirl and find out. If you get blasted with an "our insurance doesn't cover it" excuse, pick up the phone and let the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation help you fight for cyclist's rights! Mark Counselman can be reached at 312-427-3325 and says he's happy to help.

[SadieKate]

More: http://mobikefed.org/2003/04/us-bank-allows-bicyclists-to-use-drive.php

If cars screaming through a private parking lot are a problem, should they ban cyclists from the entire lot?

[SadieKate]

Hmm, ADA and wheelchairs. Are they allowed to use the drive-through?

http://www.bratbike.com/brattleboro/news.html

[SadieKate]

http://www.portlandtribune.com/sustainable/story.php?story_id=119186591735012000


Next time a bank employees invites you inside, you could always ride inside.

[CarbonCandy]

I'll have to give this drive up window a try tomorrow when I deposit my check! I'm very curious what my bank will do/say, and possibly compare it to the 7+ other branches will say too!

[MomOnBike]

I have never had a problem with the tellers at any of the banks/credit unions I use the drive-up at. I have learned through sad experience, though, to beware of that big slippery grease spot at the credit union that has caused trouble on more than one occasion. (Darn cars, dripping oil like that, :mad: GRRR)

I tried once going through the drive up at a fast food joint once, but evidently the bike & I weren't heavy enough to trip the sensor. (Odd, you'd think we would be . . .)

My thought is that banks & other places will loosen up as more and more people start riding bikes on errands. They'll go with the trend of the customers.

[tri_sandz]

With the gas prices affecting everyone - well MOST everyone, I think they will have to change the policy.

Maybe you can help to speed it up with a letter.

[singletrackmind]

Mo Bike Federation is the coolest!

My current bank does not allow bikes in the drive-through and it doesn't have a bike rack either. They tell me cyclists usually just bring the bikes into the atm lobby area. Mine, being a tandem, would be difficult to get in so I'm going to keep asking until I get my rack.

Bikes are banned from most drive-throughs and many parking lots around here, and as I mentioned earlier even schools discourage riding.

[Trekhawk]

http://www.portlandtribune.com/sustainable/story.php?story_id=119186591735012000


Next time a bank employees invites you inside, you could always ride inside.

What a cool story!!
Don't have to worry about the bike and bank thing here in Australia because as far as I know we have no drive through banks. Shocking I know!!:D

[BadgerGirl]

I don't think a robbery is a good excuse. They what would prevent vehicles from robbing the place. This is speculation, but I am thinking the windows may be bulletproof. And if the person at the window closes the tray, what are you going to do?

No, the drive thru windows at fast food places are plexiglass...not bulletproof. So, I can understand that. (It still hasn't stopped robbers working from cars though...)

It is private property, so they can make their own rules. But that seems counterintuitive. Who wants a bike going through the line on the inside of the bank. It takes up room, the way the lines are designed, it is hard to maneuver. I could see customers getting upset with that. And I would be taking my bike inside instead of locking it outside because my bike goes everywhere with me...(dam thieves).

If we are going to change our gas guzzling ways...this would be a good start since on Fridays and Saturdays, we spend all sorts of time idling while we wait in line.

[short cut sally]

My DH used to do business with this particular bank in the area..I personally hated that bank and never did my business their. They are snobby, all the branches that they have. So I had to do a deposit for him, waited in line at the drive thru. Got up to the window, (not a vacu-tube) right next to the window so they could see me. And she said they would not serve me because I was on a bike, I said all I need to do is do a deposit..Nope. come inside. So I went inside and complained to the inside teller and no one explained why I couldn't just make a deposit on the bike. I was upset. When I rode one day to my bank I asked them if I was allowed to ride my bicycle thru the drive up window, and they laughed and said, you would't believe how many people we have that go thru the drive up window..another reason why I love my bank.

[Melalvai]

More: http://mobikefed.org/2003/04/us-bank-allows-bicyclists-to-use-drive.php
That's awesome! I'm tickled because I'm the new editor of the Mo Bike Fed newsletter, The Hub. My first issue as editor is almost ready for press!!

[anakiwa]

Was it a Banknorth branch? I had the exact same problem with them (only I was a pedestrian and not on a bicycle at the time)?

[Mr. Bloom]

OK, Silver says I've been quiet on this long enough...since I'm a risk manager (among other things) for a community bank.

First, insurance requirements are a legitimate concern for any business. The rant needs to be directed at the insurer, not the business. If there's a business that does allow bikes, it is because of the employee's ignorance of the insurance requirements...and this too will change after an accident.

Second, at my bank - which has the largest market share in our core market - we provide bike racks at our branches and walk up facilities at our drive throughs. We would also have no objection to someone bringing a bike in...shoot, we have a bag lady customer that brings her shopping cart in...

Third, for those who have good experience with riding/walking up to drive throughs, that's great. But, I for one believe that it is more risky because you have vehicles in tight density. Not that I wouldn't do it if there wasn't a lot of traffic...but the business has to manage to the lowest common denominator...serious back-ups, impatient customers, and a driver's foot slips off the brake pedal... Drive through accidents are not uncommon, but you don't hear about them because vehicle to vehicle contact is at slow speed with no damage...but vehicle to bike contact is serious even at slow speed...

My 2 cents...

[OakLeaf]

so Mr., are motorcycles prohibited in your drive-throughs too? All of the concerns you identified are common to all two-wheelers. Actually the 2 mph rear-ender is probably usually more serious for a m/c than it is for a b/c....

And if m/cs are prohibited, get ready to have the AMA on your *$$, just as LAB should be now.

My $.02.

[Mr. Bloom]

Actually the 2 mph rear-ender is probably usually more serious for a m/c than it is for a b/c....


Do you really believe that?

[OakLeaf]

Absolutely. A 20-30 lb bicycle will turn, the rider can support it, hop up on the median and get out of the way. A 300-800 lb motorcycle will fall over, the rider has nowhere to go and may wind up underneath it.

[Mr. Bloom]

So back to my original point, direct your opinion to the insurer not the insured.

You might say "big deal, take the chance"...

You'd die if you knew how much businesses spend in defending frivolous and inappropriate claims. THAT'S the reality. Businesses buy insurance to protect against these risks...I don't need one more frivolous claim to defend and if the insurer says it's so, that's the way it is.

The insurer for the Mercedes in my avatar REQUIRES that the car be in a locked garage at night. That requirement influences my behavior, limits my choice in housing, constrains how I use the car, etc. That's the way it is IF I want insurance on a classic and valuable car...

[SadieKate]

I think the point is that I found several instances where insurance was used as an excuse when the insurer didn't actually prohibit bicycles.

Also, I'm rarely worried about being in a car dense situation like a drive-through lane (except for the fumes). I'm a heck of a lot more anxious around moving vehicles in the parking lot or out on city streets with cross traffic.

I've never felt threatened in a stop-and-go low speed situation where traffic was controlled with a one-way curbed lane where bikes would be directly behind the car (i.e., not trying to pass the car). Drive-thru lane is a piece o' cake compared to riding almost any place else. Pfft.

[Irulan]

...must chime in...

first of all, not all drive throughs are busy, bumper to bumper, whatever, except during peak hours ( friday pm, late)

second, I find it absolutely ludicrous in this day and age when businesses don't support cyclists. If it were me, I'd have a little chat with the manager, and possible take my business elsewhere, mainly to a business that did support cycling.

FWIW, I bank at a local Wells Fargo, use my bike at the drive up all the time, and have never had a problem. They let me bring it in the lobby too.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have to say I would feel fairly unsafe waiting on a bicycle in a tight line at a drive through between two idling cars. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place.... :(

In any case, by coincidence, I was at my bank today (drove there) and found the manager standing next to me talking to a teller. I said cheerfully "So when are you getting a bike rack installed out front?"
He brightened up and said "You know, that's a great idea, there have been lots of customers coming in by bike lately! Are they expensive?" I gave him a little info (I've been gathering it up anyway in preparation for asking for more bike racks in the village on Main St) and he said he would contact his contractors and try to start the process. :D I was very pleased by his positive reaction.

I'll be happy to have more bike racks in the right places, making our town more bike friendly overall.

[SadieKate]

I personally would like to see all drive-through lanes changed to nice shady spots with a walk-up window, a bike rack and a coffee/ice cream cart.

See if he'll do that.:)

[Mr. Bloom]

Since it's not an issue at my bank (because we offer walk-ups and bike racks), I had to research the issue a bit more.

Insurance policies do not generally address bicycles specifically.

However, they have general provisions to mitigate avoidable hazards.

While we are focused on the hazard associated with cars in the queue, the actual perceived hazard in drive throughs is OIL...It was interesting that the hazard is perceived by the insurers as being equal to walk-ups, and any two wheeled vehicles - including motorcycles.

Interestingly, we would serve someone who walked/rode up to the drive through...but we have a very regular clean-up program for oil in the lane;) We're also the first in the entire city to have the sidewalks cleared of snow in the winter:D

So, that's the rest of the story. It is insurance driven in a general sense...but more driven by laziness in cleaning up the oil...

[KnottedYet]

Starbucks refused to serve me in the drive-up lane. I was at the window after waiting in line, and was told then that they don't serve bikes. No sign before hand. I would have to park my bike and come into the shop.

So I went across the street to the LCS (local coffee stand) and did my part to support local businesses. They were quite willing to serve me on my bike, and gave me a discount when I told them about my Starbucks experience.

(ok, ignore the fact that Starbucks was a local Seattle company in the beginning, and the fact that I own ONE ENTIRE SHARE of stock in Starbucks)

My bank, on the other hand, has no issues at all with bikes or pedestrians. I've banked through the drive-up in my car, on my bike, and on foot.

[SadieKate]

Ah, ha! Thanks for following up, Mr. Silver.

I still think all drive-thru's should be converted to nice, shady rest spots with ice cream and coffee stands with a walk-up windows only.

[LoriO]

I decided to give it a try the other day at my local bank. Pedaled up to the drivethru and the woman happily greeted me and took care of my banking for me. Thumbs up to Webster Bank!!

[MomOnBike]

I agree on the oil hazard. That's much more worrisome than cars at my credit union. So it's laziness, eh? Good to know.

[Mr. Bloom]

I agree on the oil hazard. That's much more worrisome than cars at my credit union. So it's laziness, eh? Good to know.

Keep in mind that concrete is more easily cleaned than asphalt. Most fast food drive throughs are asphalt. So, it may not be just laziness, but also practicality.

[Zen]

When I use the drive-thru and a pooch is in the truck the teller will give her a dog biscuit:)
Anywhere is too far from here to use the drive up while on my bike :(

[MomOnBike]

Oh, it's concrete, all right, under a roof-thingy. And hasn't been cleaned in years, I'd bet, now that you point it out. It's bad enought when it's dry, but that oil spot is deadly when rain blows in.

I've learned to avoid it, but I really don't like the hazard there.