The YMCA of Lincoln is collaborating with Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln and the Nebraska Sports Council on the Lincoln Youth Fitness Initiative. Together, we’re making it easier for every child to get in motion and build healthy habits for life.

FOCUSING ON FITNESS

Aerobic fitness is linked to better physical health, mental wellness and educational outcomes. But after steady gains from 2010 to 2017, fitness levels among Lincoln Public Schools students began dropping in 2018, then fell substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, almost 30% of Lincoln’s children do not meet aerobic fitness standards.

Youth learning to ride on a Strider Bike through All Kids Bike initiative.

 

The Community Health Endowment of Lincoln issued a call to action, and the Youth Fitness, Sports, and Opportunity Task Force was created in May 2024. The group reviewed data, gathered community input and recommended ways to improve youth fitness and remove barriers to being active. The Lincoln Youth Fitness Initiative builds on that work.

As a nonprofit focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y believes every child should have the chance to be active, build confidence and grow into healthy adults.

 

OUR FIRST STRIDE

All Kids Bike, our first project, has a simple goal: help every child learn to ride a bike by the end of second grade.

Riding builds fitness and strength. It can also give children another way to get to school, practice, or the neighborhood playground.

We’re raising funds for Strider Bike Kits in elementary schools across Lincoln Public Schools, as well as Lutheran and Catholic schools.

Each kit includes:

  • 25 bikes
  • Helmets
  • A learning system that starts with balance bikes before adding pedals

Each kit serves: 2 schools and about 900 students

Yong girl learning to ride on a strider bike through the all kids bike initiative.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Make a gift. A donation of any size helps put more children on bikes.

Donate to All Kids Bike

Become a sponsor. Businesses and organizations can contact Matt O’Rourke at Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln: MOrourke@HealthyLincoln.org or 402-802-7670.

 

 

Additional Resources:

All Kids Bike Project, Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln

“Local Task Force Unveils Recommendations to Boost Youth Fitness,” KLIN, June 6, 2025