City Launches Duke City Leadership Lowrider Bike Club

March 1, 2023

Today, City, County, and community leaders launched the Duke City Leadership Lowrider Bike Club at the old Westgate Community Center. The positive youth development after-school program will be held every Tuesday for 2 hours from 3:00 - 5:00 PM. Ten students have been enrolled in the Club at the old Westgate Community Center.

“This Lowrider Bike Club will create a safe space for students, volunteers, and mentors coming together to share their experiences, creativity, and expertise to address community issues,” said City Councilor Klarissa Peña.

Students in the Duke City Leadership Lowrider Bike Club will receive a new bike kit and will work with the Project Coordinator, Rob Vanderslice, and other mentors to upgrade and customize their bike.  Students will have the opportunity to submit their bikes into competitions and exhibits, then once they complete their high school graduation, students will be able to keep their lowrider bikes. More importantly, the program is designed to foster positive community engagement and use the community policing model to bring the community and law enforcement together for a common goal.

The Duke City Leadership Lowrider Bike Club follows the success of the APD Youth Leadership Lowrider program. APD’s Southwest Area Command’s PRT Team worked with youth from around Albuquerque to rebuild an out-of-commission police vehicle into a lowrider representative of the Albuquerque car culture. The Lowrider Bike Club will continue the community building from the Lowrider car and follow the lead of the Olathe, Kansas Police Department that has successfully ran a similar Lowrider Bike Club for many years. The Duke City Leadership Lowrider Bike Club is funded by a $20,000 grant from the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Operation Engage Outreach Program and $5,751 from City Council constituent funds.

The Duke City Leadership Lowrider Bike Club is looking for mentors and volunteers for the program. Police officers, Firefighters, social workers, community safety responders, peer supports, athletes, small business owners, teachers, lowriders, and family members are all encouraged to volunteer. Individuals interested in volunteering can email Jeff Hertz: [email protected].

Watch the press conference: