Portland might allow bicycles at drive-thru windows

We’ve all been there. You stayed out later than you planned and the party you were just at’s idea of food doesn’t match the buffet you had in your head. You’re riding home, it’s 1 a.m., most places are closed except a local fast-food chain, the light is on but the door is locked. So you ride your bike to the drive-thru already able to taste the food and… “I’m sorry we can’t serve people that are not in cars.” So you push the issue, “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t know. But I am super hungry can I please just get a burrito?”. This young employee feels the sense of power and grasps on as it may never happen again… “No.”…Damnit. So you eat the gel that has been living in your pocket for who knows how long and ride home.

Portland is looking to make changes so folks can enjoy that fruitful late-night fast food gorge fest you might regret in the morning.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the city Planning and Sustainability Commission has added language to rules governing drive-thrus, stating they must serve pedestrians and bicyclists if the store is still open and the regular pedestrian entrances are unavailable or locked.

According to Portland city documents, the rules are part of a plan with a goal to reduce the number drive-thrus in Portland’s urban core. The city is also considering a ban on new drive-thrus in the central area in an effort “to encourage a high density, pedestrian, and transit-oriented urban form.”

The new rules are expected to go into effect in July. I hope this rule starts trickling out beyond Oregon’s borders, I love late night french fries and/or burrito on a bike!