It was 12 years ago today when the Lincoln Bike Kitchen gave away it’s first bike. On Thursday the nonprofit celebrated its relocation to the Telegraph District with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the former Municipal Pool Building near 21st and ‘N” Street.
“We’re excited to begin this new chapter in the heart of Lincoln and celebrate the continued growth of Lincoln Bike Kitchen,” says Shari Shanks, Executive Director of Lincoln Bike Kitchen. “This new space will allow us to better serve our mission of transforming lives by making cycling accessible to all, and we look forward to increasing our impact in the community.”
Shanks says the former pool building is an ideal home for the Lincoln Bike Kitchen because it doubles the group’s space to 4,400-square-feet and is conveniently located near the Billy Wolff Trail. It also offers amenities not available at the previous location.
“We’ve operated in a space without heating and air conditioning for over a decade,” Shanks says. “Our new home will be much more comfortable for volunteers as they spend long hours on their feet repairing bikes.”
The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the relocation plan in August 2023. The Historic Preservation Commission also reviewed the plan and approved improvements to the outside of the Muny Building along with the addition of a storage building and new signs.
Bikes donated by the public are taken in and repaired and then given out to anyone who needs one. By the end of this year more than 1,500 bikes will be given away. With this new facility they expect to distribute more than 2,000 bicycles in 2025.
Click here for more information about Lincoln Bike Kitchen