Utah may ban bikes from drive-thrus

SALT LAKE CITY – Hungry cyclists thinking of grabbing a quick taco or hamburger while cruising through Salt Lake City could soon find that Utah has restricted their two-wheeled meals.

The state Senate on Friday passed a bill that would allow Salt Lake restaurants to ban cyclists from drive-thru lanes, a move that overrides a city rule passed just a few months ago. The proposal now heads to the governor.

In September, Salt Lake City required restaurants to open drive-thru lanes to cyclists if the lobby is closed. The bill by Rep. Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville, prohibits cities from making such regulations and allows businesses to decide whether to serve cyclists.

“I don’t believe it’s appropriate for a city to do that,” Anderson said. “They’ve gone too far.”

Two Republicans joined the majority of Senate Democrats in voting against the proposal.

“This is just one of those issues that should be left up to city councils who have a special place in their heart for bicycles,” said Salt Lake City Democrat Jim Dabakis.

Anderson thinks having bikes in drive-thrus is dangerous for cyclists and could lead to more accidents and robberies at drive-thru windows.

When the city was considering the rule, Salt Lake County Sheriff James Winder raised public safety concerns. He said the hours when lobbies are usually closed, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., are particularly dangerous because of dimly lit drive-thru lanes and the increased presence of drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.