A USEFUL map shows a selection of Edinburgh cafes offering “ride-up” facilities for cyclists looking for food and drink on the go.
Edi.bike, who offer a weekly roundup of cycling news in the city, drafted up the list of cafes that allow access directly from the pavement, with followers welcomed to submit further establishments offering the same.
It comes after a social media post about a hatch at La Barantine in Fountainbridge, which prompted a user to ask for a map of similar establishments.
These takeaway kiosks, the cyclist’s answer to a drive-thru, allow people to purchase food from cafes without having to disembark or lock up their bikes.
Since its creation last week, 17 cafes have been added to the map, covering all four corners of Edinburgh from Queensferry to Leith and down to Blackford.
As well as La Barantine, the map includes the bustling Uplands Roast stand that overlooks The Meadows, and Mimi’s Bakehouse on Comely Bank Road.
Edi.bike has included a submission form on My Maps, where anyone can add a cafe that offers service to those outside.
The description reads: “Places to eat and drink with hatches, outdoor counters, or other ride-through features making them more cycle accessible – so your cafe stop doesn’t need to be a ‘stop’ at all!”
Since being posted, it already has 1,166 views and is being continuously added to live.
The post that inspired the map showed a picture of the warm and inviting La Barantine, with its bakery window open and fresh pastries on display.
A menu on the outside of the shop also allows people to order coffee, sandwiches, and even quiches without having to step inside at all.
The original poster captioned it: “Love that La Barantine on Fountainbridge now has a hatch for easy pastry access”.
Edi.bike asked if they could feature the picture in their next newsletter, and the ingenious poster took the opportunity to request a favour: “My feature request is a map of places I can get a little treat without having to lock up my bike.”
Their wish was granted and the map now provides an easy way for cyclists to replenish or get a warm drink in wintry weather, wherever they are in the city.
