The Bike Kitchen Loves to Give Back!!!
The Bike Kitchen feels that our contributions to the greater SF community should go beyond empowerment through our bicycle services, and that we have a responsibility to aid and support other necessary community non-profit institutions in need. That is why we've pledged to donate two week's worth of our $5 day-use fees to Lyon-Martin Health Services, as well as to match any individual donation made at our shop. We are pleased to be able to make a total donation of $1000.
Additionally, The Bike Kitchen has also come to the aid of the Mission District's beloved CELLspace! Recently, CELLspace was unexpectedly saddled with an additional $25,000 in necessary renovations to their new fire exit, forcing the facility to potentially shut down. We are elated to be able to come to the aid of the very organization to which we owe our own existence, in the form of a $13,000 interest-free loan. Seven years ago when the Bike Kitchen started, CELLspace gave us a rent-free space for about two years at the Mission Village Market (remember that place? It was the weekend flea market and warehouse/art space at 18th & Alabama). Because of their generosity, the The Bike Kitchen was able to flourish, and is now in a position to give back to other non-profit projects and community organizations in SF.
Please join us in making sure that both CELL Space and Lyon-Martin can continue to provide their necessary and amazing services to the people of San Francisco, by making a donation of your own at www.CELLspace.org and www.lyon-martin.org.
Come check out our new space!
Our new home at 650H Florida between 18th and 19th is up and running, and it's awesome.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers who moved all our stuff by bike in the rain! Read Streetsblog San Francisco's coverage and check out this video and photos of the move: [1], [2], [3], (and our 2006 Critical Move).
About the Bike Kitchen
Mission Statement: The Bike Kitchen teaches people of all ages and backgrounds how to repair bicycles. Through bike repair and bicycle related projects, the Bike Kitchen promotes personal development and provides leadership opportunities. Operating as a cooperative shop, we provide affordable ways to acquire and maintain a bike, offer youth programs, encourage re-use and recycling, and work with community groups to get more people on bicycles.
Founded in 2003, the Bike Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit run by volunteers. We provide all the tools and parts you need to fix or build a bicycle. Our staff of volunteer mechanics is available to give advice and answer questions.
Here's how it works: either pay a day-use fee ($5) or become a member ($40-$80 sliding scale or volunteer six hours). This gives you access to our tools and advice from our volunteer mechanics. We have an inventory of used parts and basic new parts for sale, or you can enter our digging rights / earn-a-bike program.
We're open to all women, transfolks, genderqueer folk, femmes, and other people who've had gender bias, homophobia, or transphobia keep them away from the wrenches!
You don't need to be a member to learn more. Watch our video, check out our photos, see a list of the volunteers who make this place work, or just stop by during open hours and see what the Bike Kitchen is all about.
Press and Awards
- "Bike Kitchen Rescues CELLspace" on Uptown Almanac, 2011
- "Local resources help with self-reliance resolution" on SFGate, 2010
- "Bike Kitchen is DIY Central for Cyclists" slideshow" on Planet Green, 2009
- "Seven Best Local Bike Shops" by 7x7 Magazine, 2009
- "Best of the Bay" by San Francisco Magazine, 2009
- Audio Postcard on KQED's California Report, 2009
- "Best Greasy Spoke" in 7x7's Best of the City issue, 2008
- "Best Bicycle Mechanic" in the San Francisco Bay Guardian's Best of the Bay, 2008
- "Pedal Pushers" article in Oberlin Alumni Magazine, 2005
- Golden Wheel Award from the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, 2005
- "Best Bike Repairs on the Cheap" by the SF Weekly's Best of San Francisco, 2004