Lowrider Bike Program Continues to Inspire Youth Through Creativity and Mentorship
City's Lowrider Bike Program celebrates Record participation, four years of growth.
ALBUQUERQUE – Over 65 teenage students celebrated the completion of the City of Albuquerque's Lowrider Bike Program at today’s annual Graduation Showcase. Now in its fourth year, the program has expanded beyond custom lowrider bicycles to include skateboard and guitar fabrication, giving youth even more opportunities to explore creativity, craftsmanship, and mentorship.
What began as a pilot program through the Youth & Family Services Department serving about 10 students has grown into Albuquerque’s most unique youth mentorship opportunities. Over four years, participation has increased from about 10 students to 25, then 50, and now over 65 students in 2026. The program's expansion includes custom skateboards and guitars reflects growing interest from teens seeking creative outlets, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences.
The Lowrider Bike Program provides a safe and welcoming space where young people build technical skills, connect with positive role models, and develop meaningful relationships with peers, community members, and law enforcement mentors. As communities nationwide search for solutions to youth violence and disconnection, the program demonstrates the impact of investing in creativity, culture, and opportunity.
My favorite thing over the last 4 years is learning new things that I can turn into a career. I also love that I gained another family in the lowrider community” said Onjay Riboni, the only student to participate in the program every year since its launch four years ago.
Throughout the school year, students worked alongside mentors from Albuquerque's lowrider community, Albuquerque Police Department (APD), Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) and Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). Participants designed and built personalized projects while learning skills such as welding, fabrication, paint and body work, pinstriping, upholstery, woodworking, and design.
"Programs like this give our young people a chance to build something unique while strengthening connections across our community," said Mayor Tim Keller. "The creativity, dedication, and teamwork displayed by these students demonstrate the positive impact that mentorship and hands-on learning can have on Albuquerque's youth."
“Five years ago, we planted a seed with the Duke City Leadership Lowrider Bike Club, and witnessing this program grow into a milestone fifth-year graduation showcase is deeply inspiring. Every lowrider bicycle and skate board built this year represents a legacy of craftsmanship, powerful mentorship, and an ever-strengthening bond between our youth, community partners, and police officers. By connecting Albuquerque’s deep-rooted lowrider culture with a national network of support, we aren't just teaching valuable skills—we are empowering our next generation of leaders. I am incredibly proud of our 2026 graduates, whose ambition and hard work continue to prove that we are building so much more than bikes; we are building a brighter future for District 3 and our entire city.” Said City Council President and District 3 City Councilor, Klarissa J Peña
By providing youth with positive role models and opportunities for creative expression, the program continues to empower students to make lasting contributions to Albuquerque and beyond.