Business Details
14 Years
experience
Transforming Lives Through Cycling in Lincoln, NE
The Lincoln Bike Kitchen is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through cycling accessibility. Founded on principles of inclusivity and sustainability, we provide refurbished bicycles to individuals and families in need while advocating for cycling as a vital component of equitable transportation and environmental stewardship. Our volunteer-powered model has distributed nearly 1,600 bikes in 2024 alone, with over 200 hours of free repair services valued at $20,000. We collaborate with local schools, social service agencies, and community partners to ensure cycling remains accessible to all socioeconomic groups. Our team of certified mechanics, including industry veterans with decades of experience, maintains rigorous safety standards while educating the public about bike maintenance and sustainable transportation.Through strategic partnerships like our matching grant with Modern Woodmen of America, we demonstrate measurable impact in reducing transportation barriers and promoting physical wellness. Our transparent operations emphasize community engagement, with over 30 local organizations participating in our bike distribution network. We maintain strict quality control by accepting only gently used bikes that require less than one hour of repair, ensuring every donated bicycle meets our safety standards. Our educational programs and outreach initiatives connect cycling to broader social issues, fostering community connections through shared transportation solutions. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we maintain accountability through annual public reporting of our community impact metrics.
Services
Bike Donations
Bike Sales
Free Repairs
Volunteer Programs
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We distribute nearly 1,600 bikes annually through community partnerships
- Our certified mechanics provide $20,000+ in free repair services yearly
- We maintain strict safety standards for all refurbished bicycles
- We partner with 30+ local organizations for bike distribution
- Our volunteer program trains mechanics of all skill levels
What people say
Life-changing impact
Excellent repair service
Community-focused organization
Great volunteer experience
Valuable educational programs
Services
Bike Donations
We accept gently used bicycles for refurbishment and redistribution to community members in need. Our program focuses on child-sized bikes (20-26" wheels) while maintaining quality standards by declining heavily damaged donations. Donors receive tax receipts for their contributions, which directly support our mission of cycling accessibility. Each donated bike undergoes safety inspections before distribution through partner organizations.
Bike Sales
Refurbished high-end bicycles are sold at affordable prices to fund our operations. Proceeds support our free bike distribution programs and community outreach initiatives. Sales events feature various road and mountain bikes with transparent pricing and quality guarantees. All sales help divert usable bicycles from landfills while maintaining our nonprofit's financial sustainability.
Free Repairs
We offer complimentary basic repairs taking less than one hour to complete. Our certified mechanics use professional tools and donated parts to maintain bike safety standards. Repair services prioritize essential functionality over cosmetic improvements, focusing on making cycling accessible for all income levels. This program also serves as a training ground for volunteer mechanics.
Volunteer Programs
Our volunteer opportunities cater to all skill levels, including specialized roles for multilingual individuals and experienced mechanics. Orientation sessions train volunteers in bike refurbishment techniques and community engagement practices. The program builds workforce skills while fostering social connections through shared transportation solutions and community improvement projects.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with over 30 local schools and social service agencies to distribute bikes where needed most. Partners include educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community centers serving vulnerable populations. Our network ensures efficient resource allocation while maintaining quality control standards across all distribution channels. These partnerships enhance our community impact through coordinated outreach efforts.
People
Shari Weiss Shanks
Executive Director
Shari leads our strategic initiatives with over 15 years of nonprofit management experience. She oversees operations, fundraising, and community partnerships while maintaining our financial sustainability through grant acquisition and donor relations.
Ruby Hoffman
Administrative Assistant
Ruby manages daily operations with her certified bicycle mechanic expertise from the United Bicycle Institute. Her multilingual skills enhance community outreach while her technical knowledge ensures quality control in our repair programs.
Wayne Schafer
Shop Coordinator
Wayne brings decades of bicycle shop experience to our technical operations. As former shop owner, he trains volunteers in repair techniques while maintaining our equipment inventory and ensuring safety standards for all distributed bicycles.
Questions
How can I donate a bicycle to Lincoln Bike Kitchen?
Bring gently used bikes during our open hours to 308 S. 21st Street. We prefer child-sized bikes (20-26") but accept adult bikes meeting our repair standards.
What bike sizes do you provide for children?
We offer 20" wheels for children 36-44" tall (ages 4-7), 24" wheels for 44-58" tall (ages 6-13), and 26" wheels for children over 60" tall (typically ages 11+).
How do adults qualify for free bicycles?
Adults need sponsorship from a qualified professional like a doctor, counselor, or social worker who can verify financial need through our email verification system.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
We offer roles for all skill levels including bike repair, administrative support, and event coordination. Orientation sessions train volunteers in our specific processes and safety protocols.
Do you offer bike repair classes?
While we don't have formal classes, our volunteer program provides hands-on training in bike maintenance during regular shop hours under experienced mechanics' supervision.
How are donated bikes distributed?
Bikes go through partner organizations like schools and social service agencies. We prioritize community needs assessments to ensure equitable distribution across Lincoln's neighborhoods.
