Meet San Franciscos anti-profit bike shop, Scenic Routes

Scenic Routes Community Bicycle Center in San Francisco operates with a unique "anti-profit" model, achieving only 1 percent net last year. Founded by Jay Beaman and friends during the pandemic, the shop focuses on community engagement through free classes and bike repairs. Beaman envisions a benefactor who could fund the shop's operations, allowing it to lose money while enriching the community. The shop's revenue consists of about 10 percent from over 200 committed members who pay monthly for benefits. These members help sustain the shop's mission of creating a space for bike enthusiasts and urban advocates.

Classes offered include bike maintenance and roadside first aid, fostering a sense of community. Beaman highlights the importance of feeling good about the work rather than chasing profit. Scenic Routes not only serves as a bike shop but also as a community center for those passionate about urban living and transportation equity.