Last year, the Lincoln Bike Kitchen (LBK) distributed more than 2,200 bicycles to people in need, and over 60 percent of those requests were for children’s bikes. Many of those bikes were requested through staff at Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), where teachers and support staff see firsthand how access to a bicycle can make a meaningful difference in a student’s life.
LBK works closely with Community Learning Coordinators, teachers, and school staff across LPS to fulfill bike requests for students identified as being in need. These trusted adults submit orders on behalf of kids who do not have access to a bike at home—often because family resources are limited or unstable. LBK then matches those requests with refurbished bicycles, ensuring each student receives a safe, reliable bike.
At McPhee Elementary, the impact of this partnership is especially visible. “At McPhee Elementary, 93 percent of our students are on free and reduced lunch programs and a few kids who are in and out of the homeless shelter throughout the year,” said Alex Hyde, a PE teacher at the school. “Because of the Lincoln Bike Kitchen, more students can now ride a bike or learn to ride a bike.”
For Hyde and many other educators, the moments when bikes are handed to students are unforgettable. “I've received so many thank yous, hugs, and bright smiles when giving kids their bikes,” he shared. These experiences reflect the heart of the LBK–LPS partnership: meeting students where they are and providing more than just transportation. Each bike represents opportunity, independence, and the knowledge that their community is invested in their well‑being.
