Meet San Franciscos anti-profit bike shop, Scenic Routes

Scenic Routes Community Bicycle Center in San Francisco embraces an "anti-profit" business model, focusing on community engagement over financial gain. Founded by Jay Beaman during the pandemic, the shop began as a free bike repair service and has grown into a local hub for cyclists. Beaman, along with co-founders Michael Connolly, Kat Siegal, and Emily Horsman, aims to create a welcoming space for the community, offering free classes on bike maintenance, roadside first aid, and bike customization. The shop has garnered support from over 200 committed members, contributing to around 10 percent of its revenue. Scenic Routes has set an ambitious goal to double its donor base to 5,000 by 2025, having already reached 20 percent of that target.

The shop's model reflects a broader trend where businesses prioritize social impact, resonating with urbanists and transportation advocates. Beaman's vision for the shop includes maintaining a community center atmosphere, where people can gather, share, and learn. This unique approach to business challenges traditional profit-driven models in the cycling industry.