San Francisco's North Beach is known for its popular restaurant scene, but in the world of COVID-19, many people are still choosing to stay home and order in.
That's why Danny Sauter, president of North Beach Neighbors, decided to organize a free bicycle delivery operation to help local restaurants stay afloat.
"The restaurants have really been struggling. They're such a part of our community, the fabric of our neighborhood, so we've got to do anything and everything to help," Sauter said.
Volunteers will make about 40 deliveries each week.
So far, they've connected hundreds of neighbors to about 30 different restaurants.
Bicycle delivery operations help local restaurants stay afloat in North Beach.Carrie Hodousek/KCBS Radio
"They choose a time window on Thursday nights between 5-8 p.m. and we'll come and drop off your food," Sauter said.
The model called North Beach Delivers has expanded to other neighborhoods over the last few months.
"We're in five neighborhoods now in San Francisco. We've even been approached from folks in the South Bay and East Bay. I really think this can work in mostly every neighborhood," he said.
Sauter said not only do bikes create better access to people at home, especially in hilly neighborhoods, but it also gives the delivery guys a chance to get outside.
"It's about being able to get around more quickly without a heavy burden associated with the cost of driving a car, ride sharing and it's certainly much better for the environment," he said.
The model also helps at-risk residents get prepared meals from their favorite local restaurants.
"A lot of seniors in the neighborhood have been careful to go outside. It's something that we can do every single week to bring a little bit of joy and slice of normalcy to them," Sauter said.
To place a delivery through North Beach Delivers, click here.
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