50 Students Graduate From City’s Lowrider Bike After-School Program

ALBUQUERQUE – The Lowrider Bike Program celebrates its third year with the Duke City Chapter, serving 50 middle school and high school students from across Albuquerque. Working with mentors from Albuquerque Police Department (APD), Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and the lowrider community, students designed their own bikes and built them learning trades like welding, leatherwork, upholstering, paint and body fabrication, and pinstriping. This powerful mentorship model inspires creativity, collaboration, hands-on learning, and career exploration for youth seeking connection.

“Being able to spend an entire school year with these students was a huge blessing,” said Program Facilitator Rob Vanderslice. “It’s always been about more than just lowrider bikes. The skills these students learn are a bonus. The real goal is showing them what their future can look like, all thanks to the incredible leaders and mentors who dedicate their time each week to the program.”

“At a time when youth crime is a growing concern in Albuquerque and nationwide, it’s more important than ever to give our teens positive, creative outlets and chances to build skills as well as relationships,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The success of these students is a powerful example of the community and law enforcement coming together to support our kids.”

“The Albuquerque Lowrider Bike Program continues to be a profound success in 2025, and we’re immensely grateful for the people involved in continuing this valued partnership,” said Albuquerque City Councilor Klarissa Peña. “With this year’s graduation, we are seeing even more community interest in mentorship and cultivating a stronger network of lowrider bike clubs. It’s inspiring to witness the ripple effect — our Duke City Leadership Lowrider Bike Club has many dedicated lowrider mentors and police officer mentors eager to return for a third year. For over four years, my office has been committed to fostering a network that continues to celebrate our New Mexican lowrider culture through impactful youth programming. Today our graduates show that our efforts continue to matter.”

The Lowrider Bike Program began in Olathe, Kansas, founded by Erik Olathe. The Duke City Chapter was introduced to Albuquerque through the support of Councilor Peña and the vision of Rob Vanderslice. This year, our chapter participated in the Vehicles for Change conference held in Kansas, representing Albuquerque on a national stage.

As part of this innovative program, a custom lowrider bicycle is being featured at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Through continued partnerships and collaboration with other lowrider bike chapters, our mission is to empower youth to leave a positive impact on the Albuquerque community and beyond.

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About CABQ Youth & Family Services: The Department of Youth and Family Services provides quality early learning, education, youth employment and recreation to promote healthy aging and improved quality of life for the entire Albuquerque Community. We serve the residents and families through our community centers, early childhood centers, crossing guards and year-round youth programs.