Channel 8 set to host third annual bike drive on Thursday

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Channel 8 News is partnering with the Lincoln Bike Kitchen for the third annual Bike Drive on Thursday.

Last year, Channel 8 collected around 400 bikes for the nonprofit.

SEE ALSO: A high-gear gift: KLKN drive helps Lincoln Bike Kitchen land anonymous $10,000 donation

Ahead of this year’s drive, Executive Director Shari Shanks said we’re hoping to bring in just as many bikes, if not more.

“We depend on the community, and this is one of our biggest events to get a big lot of bikes in,” she said. “I think last year we were around 330, somewhere in there. So we’re going to shoot for that again this year.”

With the warmer weather and higher gas prices across the nation, now is as important as ever to donate.

Especially for families and those in need of reliable transportation.

“Our really busy season is just kicking in,” Shanks said. “100% of our operation is sustainable. Riding a bike is sustainable. You don’t have to use that fuel, which is quite expensive right now. It’s also Bike to Work Week! We’ve got great weather, great trails. We support people getting out on bikes and riding to work.”

Through a partnership with Lincoln Public Schools, Shanks said the need for bikes for young adults and children is constantly increasing.

But one of the best parts about giving away a bike to someone in need is the smile it brings to so many faces.

“This woman came in yesterday. She was dancing when she left with her child’s bike,” Shanks said. “She was so thankful, and we get that all the time. People have requests, and they write their story, saying, ‘Hey, here’s why I need a bike. Here’s what’s going on in my life.’ It feels so good to be able to get that bike to that person to help them out with their lives.”

The bike drive is being held at the Channel 8 station near 10th and Van Dorn streets from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can donate gently used or new bikes of all kinds, as long as they are rust-free.