From May 30 to June 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico will host the 4th Annual Vehicle for Change Conference. Spearheaded by City Councilor Klarissa Peña, the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the conference will be held at various locations throughout the city. It will coincide with the Albuquerque Lowrider Supershow on June 2, hosted by local event producer Artemis Productions at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
The conference aims to provide networking opportunities for lowrider communities, police departments, school systems, and city officials from around the country. It will offer technical support for starting or expanding lowrider bike club and lowrider police vehicles programs. The event also aims to help municipalities learn how to repeal any anti-cruising legislation in their communities. Attendees can expect a variety of breakout groups, workshops, activities and opportunities to share best practices and identify funding opportunities.
Councilor Peña stated: “It has been incredible to see this national network grow over the past four years and for my office to serve as an information clearinghouse for communities wanting to explore innovative approaches to elevating their lowrider communities and to celebrate lowriding as a cultural heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation.”
In recent years, Councilor Peña's office has convened a national network of communities through monthly meetings and annual conferences. The aim is to celebrate lowrider culture through youth programming and legislative action. This initiative began with Councilor Peña’s Cruising Task Force in 2017 which recommended repealing Albuquerque’s No-Cruising Ordinance in 2018. Since then, multiple cities in California have repealed their anti-cruising legislation with assistance from Albuquerque.
Councilor Peña's office has also collaborated with other communities on developing youth-centric after-school programs that bridge gaps between local law enforcement officers, lowrider clubs, and schools. One such community, Olathe, KS, has been instrumental in developing a mentorship-based lowrider bike club model. Erik Erazo, Executive Director of Student & Community Engagement at Olathe Public Schools said: “As the founder of the Leadership Lowrider Bike Club, I am so proud to see all of the chapters doing so great. I love seeing our Bike Club family grow.”
The conference will commence at City Hall on May 30 and continue at other key locations like the Westgate Community Center Annex and the Route 66 Visitors Center over the following days. The event will conclude on June 2 at the Albuquerque Convention Center with the Albuquerque Lowrider Supershow.
