Angela,

I hope this finds you well today!

Yesterday, around 5pm, I rode my bicycle up to the drive-thru window at the Spruce Street location, as I've done dozens of times since I became a BB&T customer in approximately 1998 or 1999.  The teller was pleasant enough to go ahead and make the deposit, but she told me that BB&T isn't really supposed to serve me on a bicycle.   I asked her why they couldn't serve me in the future, and she stated that BB&T had safety concerns, and that the drive-thru was reserved for vehicles.  She then pointed to a sign that was posted to the window essentially stating the same thing.  I debated with her a bit on the fact that I view my bike as a vehicle.  I didn't bring this up while there, but according to WV state code 17C-11-2 and Morgantown 373.02 say bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of vehicles. 

I also asked her if she could show me where in BB&T policy it states that I can't be served and asked for her card so I could follow-up.  She said she was out of cards, but handed me your card, to which I called and left a message yesterday around 6pm.  I was polite (even though a little out of breath and winded from riding), and even told her I wasn't trying to get anyone in trouble.  I just want to know what the BB&T policy said, and that I'd follow up or make a decision once I figure out what my rights are in your drive-thru.

I've ridden on roads for approximately 20-25 years and have a commuting cyclist for over 10 years and have not had one accident/collision with a vehicle or damaged any personal property as a result of cycling, despite logging likely tens of thousands of miles.  I'd like to discuss some of the benefits of cycling, but I'll save that for later when we determine what your policy actually states. 

I also called in to BB&T's customer service line, and they couldn't find anything in their policies that stated that I couldn't be served, but he said it's common for local branches to tell folks they have to be in vehicles (he didn't say motorized though).  They've escalated my call and said they'll be looking into it further.  I explained to them that I've driven my car to work once in the last month, and that my schedule makes it difficult to get to the bank when their branches are open.  However, it's frequently possible and easy on my way home via bike to deposit at the drive-thru.  Plus, I had $700 in cash that I hadn't been able to deposit for days due to my schedule and felt strongly about getting it in the bank. 

Thanks for you time!   Have a great day and look forward to hearing from you regarding my experience in the drive-thru.

Sincerely,

~C. Derek Springston

Cyclist and Morgantown Bike Board Member