October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

With the cooler weather that October brings, we encourage you to get active, walk more, and stay safe while doing so!

• National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day
  Held annually in October. The next Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Learn more and request support for your school's Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day event.

Self-Guided Reindeer Roll and Stroll
Saturday, December 7, 2024 I 4-8pm

Walk, bike or roll as you participate in a festive scavenger hunt in Downtown Mesa for a chance to win great prizes, including a new bicycle! Be sure to show off your holiday spirit in your most cheerful and fun team costumes. Need a helmet? We’ll be hosting a helmet distribution pop-up during the event while supplies last. 

City of Mesa Bike Map

Bike Map - Valley-wide

Preview your route - Drone fly-overs of shared use pathways

Read the latest issue of SpokeLife Mesa, a magazine all about biking in Mesa!

Past Issues

(PDF format)

Bicycle Safety classes are offered throughout the year. Participants will learn basics of bicycle safety and will receive free safety gear at the end of the class. Class space can be limited. Pre-registration is required through the library event system.

Cycling FUN-damentals 
An introductory class on how to start bicycling or take as a refresher on bicycle basics. You'll get practical tips on how to plan your ride and what you can do to stay safe on the streets. All participants will receive a free "Get Started Safely" kit that including a helmet, bicycle lights, and more! *Recommended Ages: 12+

Upcoming Dates & Locations 
Wednesday, September 25, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. — Mesa Main Library
Wednesday, February 26, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. — Mesa Main Library

*Space is limited. Registration is required. 

Bicycle Maintenance  
An intro to bicycle mechanics that is designed to help get your bicycle ready to ride. We will focus on maintenance that can easily be done at home to keep your bike happy. Topics covered will included basics bicycle anatomy, how to fix a flat, break and shifter adjustment and chain lubrication. All participants will leave the class with a free patch kit! *Recommended ages 14+

Upcoming Dates & Locations 
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  — Mesa Main Library
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. — Dobson Ranch Library

People Friendly Driver 
Learn the best and safest ways to share the road with all road users. Discuss traffic safety and responsibilities, and how to avoid crashes or conflicts. The class will address topics such as why sharing the road is the safest alternative for all road users, common crashes and how to avoid them and how to navigate bicycle and pedestrian related infrastructure. *Recommended ages 15+

Upcoming Dates & Locations 
Check back for more dates as they are announced.

Bike Summer 
Summertime in Arizona means warmer weather, extra sunshine and new issues to be aware of when you get on your bike. This class will help you to be prepared for problems that can come up when you’re riding in hot weather conditions. Learn tips and tricks to use to help you stay cool and having fun when you ride all summer long. All participants will leave the class with a free safety gear! *Recommended ages 12+

Upcoming Dates & Locations 
Check back for more dates as they are announced.

Smart Cycling for Older Adults
An introductory class on how to start bicycling or take as a refresher on the basics. You'll get practical tips geared toward older adults on how prepare to ride and what you can do to stay safe on the streets. All participants will receive a free Bicycle Safety Kit that including a helmet. *Recommended ages 50+

Upcoming Dates & Locations 
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. — Red Mountain Library
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 11:00 to 12:30 p.m. — Dobson Ranch Library

The City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program presents… STEAM at the Library
In this drop-in class, activities are designed to help you learn more about science, technology, engineering, art, math, and SAFETY — the fun way! Each child will leave with items from class and free safety coloring book. *Recommended Ages: 6-12

Upcoming Dates & Locations 
Check back for more dates as they are announced.

*Space is limited. Registration is required. 

Move Safe PSA Contest will be opening again in late September 2024 and will close on January 31, 2025. Winners will be announced in April 2025. 

Learn more about the contest

Bike to Books Contest

We're pleased to announce the Bike to Books contest in partnership with Mesa Public Library. Youth are invited to design original art for a chance to have their work placed on a shared use path! Bike to Books encourages communities to bike more, read more books and look for opportunities to combine the two by biking to a public library or neighborhood little library. 

The 2024 contest is now closed, and winners will be notified in late August. To view last year's winners, visit mesalibrary.org/biketobooks.

All Kids Bike

The City of Mesa's Bicycle & Pedestrian Program is seeking Mesa Public Elementary Schools that are interested in piloting the All Kids Bike program. All Kids Bike is a national movement to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Selected schools will work with City of Mesa staff to secure funding for implementation of the 5-year program.

One local PE Specialist says of the program, "[All Kids Bike Program is] so valuable and so worthwhile. The kids love it and so do I!"

If you or your school's Administration and PE Specialist are interested in learning more about the opportunity, please email. 

Bike Rodeo ToolKit

Are you eager to organize a bike or pedestrian rodeo in your community? The Bike Rodeo Toolkit is your ultimate guide. It contains step-by-step instructions to help you plan, organize, and execute a successful bike rodeo that engages and educates participants on essential cycling safety skills. The toolkit covers everything from station setups and volunteer coordination to promoting the event. With comprehensive how-to guides for each station and detailed checklists, you’ll have all the resources you need to make your bike rodeo a hit!

To request additional information, send an email with your contact information, date and location of your anticipated rodeo. 

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

We have started using a new type of pedestrian signal called a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB), but it is commonly referred to as a HAWK (High-intensity Activated Crosswalk.)

Why They Are Needed

Sometimes regular traffic signals cannot be used because of spacing requirements between signals or the amount of pedestrian or side-street traffic is not high enough to justify a signal. In these situations, a PHB will make crossing busy, wide streets easier for pedestrians. A PHB is considered only after a traffic engineering study is completed and the need is warranted. 

Where They Have Been Placed

The pedestrian hybrid beacons have been installed at the following locations:

• Rio Salado Pkwy & Eureka Canal (Westwood High School)  
• Mesa Drive south of 10th Avenue
• Mesa Drive north of Hampton Avenue
• Sossaman Road south of Inverness Avenue
• Sossaman Road south of Juanita Avenue
• Brown Road east of Grand
• University Drive and Grand
• Brown Road east of Pasadena
• Alma School Road and 7th Street
  

How They Work

1. When not in use, the vehicle signal is dark, and a solid DON’T WALK (raised hand) is displayed for pedestrians at the crosswalk.

2. When a pedestrian pushes the button to cross the street, the vehicle signal will flash yellow for several seconds.

3. Next it will display a solid yellow to give motorists enough time to stop at the crosswalk.

4. After the solid yellow, the vehicle signal will go to solid red and pedestrians will be given a WALK (walking person symbol) signal.

5. After the WALK time expires, the vehicle signal will flash red in an alternating pattern while the pedestrians continue across the street with a flashing DON’T WALK signal. When the vehicle signal is flashing red, motorists may proceed after stopping if the pedestrians have crossed their half of the street.

6. After enough time has passed for pedestrians to complete their crossing, the vehicle signal will go dark once again, and the pedestrian signal will revert to the solid raised hand symbol until the pedestrian button is pressed again.

Resources

Printable brochure with more information

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Policy, January 2018

Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons

Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFBs) are control devices that make it safer and easier for pedestrians to cross streets. They are activated by pedestrians and people riding bicycles by manually pushing a button. Once the button is pushed, a highly visible flashing pattern, similar to emergency flashers on police vehicles, alerts drivers that a person wants to cross the street.

Why They Are Needed 

Mesa faces many challenges in providing cost-effective services to help pedestrians cross streets safely. Some locations do not meet the required traffic and pedestrian volumes for the installation of a standard traffic signal.

The RRFB is a lower-cost alternative to traditional traffic signals and has been found to increase the frequency in which drivers yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. A Traffic Engineering Study needs to be conducted to justify the installation of an RRFB.

Where They Have Been Placed

Rectangular rapid flash beacons have been installed on Center Street at 10th Avenue, Mesa Drive at the Consolidated Canal multi-use path crossing, 8th Avenue west of Extension Road (Kleinman Park), and Copernicus at Kinetic Drive (Queen Creek High School).

How They Work

1. The pedestrian activates the RRFB by pressing the button.
2. The RRFB begins to flash to alert drivers that a pedestrian wants to cross the street in the crosswalk.
3. Flashing lights facing the pedestrian confirm the activation of the RRFB.
4. The RRFB flashes for a set time that allows a pedestrian adequate time to cross the street.
5. After the allocated time has passed for the pedestrians to complete their crossing, the RRFB turns off.

Pedestrian Tips

1. Push the button to activate the RRFB.
2. Check for traffic before stepping into the street. Walk defensively and make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you. Cross only within the crosswalk.
3. Cross the street one lane at a time. Cross into the next lane only when it is safe to do so.
4. Arizona state law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is in or near the same half of the street as the driver. The Arizona state law also requires pedestrians to enter the street with caution.

Resources

Printable Brochure - English

Printable Brochure - Spanish

Extension Road Separated Bike Lane Project

Learn more about the Extension Road Separated Bike Lane Project.
Anticipated Start Date: 2024

Downtown Mesa Separated Bike Lane

The City of Mesa’s Transportation Department began work along First Avenue on September 20, 2021. The pilot project runs three-fourths of a mile along First Avenue between Country Club Drive and Hibbert in downtown Mesa.

The separated bike lanes include an eight-foot-wide, green bike lane with four-foot separated buffers from motorized vehicles with bike delineators and tuff curbing. The new design changed the layout of the street parking which was formerly diagonal spaces to new pull-in parallel parking spaces, while providing nearly the same number of spaces as the old design. Additional ADA upgrades have also been installed in several locations along First Avenue.

The parking protected separated bike lane model is the first of this kind in Mesa and provides dedicated bicycle facilities for downtown Mesa. Input from the community was used to help create a safer environment and additional commuting options for bicyclists in the area.

The project was completed on December 2, 2021. 

• Center Street Connector – Feasibility study to create a multimodal corridor on Center Street from McKellips Road to Broadway Road that enables safe access for users of all ages and abilities. The study was completed in Spring 2024.
  
  
• Lehi Loop Shared Use Pathway Phase 2 – Feasibility study to determine alignment of pathway in ADOT right of way, and connection to Phase 1 trailheads. The study was completed in Spring 2023.

• Southeast Mesa Gateway Shared Use Path Phase 2 – Elliot Road to Hawes Road (1.2 miles): This project installed an asphalt pathway in the ADOT right-of-way along the 202 Freeway from Elliot Road south to Hawes Road. Other improvements were pathway lighting, rest areas, and a signalized crossing at Warner Road. Design began in winter 2018 and construction was completed in winter 2022 at a cost of $2.6 million.
  
  

• Eastern Canal Shared Use Path – Lindsay to Brown Road (0.5 miles): This project added a paved asphalt surface and lighting along the east side of the Eastern Canal from Lindsay Road to Brown Road as well as signalized crossings at Lindsay Road and McKellips Road. Design began in the fall of 2018 and construction was completed in the fall of 2020 at a cost of $1.2 million.
  
  

• South Canal Shared Use Path Phase 1 – Crosscut Canal to McKellips Road (1.2 miles): This is the first phase of a shared use pathway along the South Canal. It added an asphalt surface, pathway lighting, a Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon at Horne Road, and a signalized crossing at McKellips Road. Design began in winter 2017 and construction was completed in summer of 2022 at a cost of $2.5 million.

  

In-Progress

• Eastern Canal Shared Use Path enhanced crossings – Traffic signals at Broadway Road, Main Street, Val Vista Drive, University Drive, and Brown Road and a Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon at Adobe Street. Design began in spring 2021, and with construction anticipated to begin by Fall 2024, and completed by Spring 2025.
  
  
• Eastern Canal Shared Use Path (Central) – Brown Road to Broadway Road (2.3 miles): The east bank of the canal will be paved, and pathway lighting added. Design began in spring 2022 with an estimated completion date of fall 2024. Construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2024 and be complete by the Fall of 2025.
  
  
• Eastern Canal Shared Use Path (South) – Broadway Road to Baseline Road (2.2 miles): The east bank of the canal will be paved, and pathway lighting added. Design began in winter 2023 with an estimated completion date of fall 2025. Construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2024 and be complete by the Fall of 2025.

• Lehi Crossing Shared Use Path Phase 1 – South Canal from McDowell Road to the 202 Freeway and along the ADOT right-of-way to Val Vista Drive (2.5 miles): There will be two trailheads constructed. One at McDowell Road and the South Canal and the other at Val Vista Drive north of the 202 Freeway. The path will be paved 12 feet wide with a separate surface for equestrian users, lighting will be installed and the crossing at Val Vista Road will be a grade separated tunnel. Design began in the summer of 2020. Construction is beginning in July 2024 and estimated to be completed by spring 2025.
  
  
• Red Mountain Shared Use Path – East side of Power Road from SR 202 Park & Ride north to the Mesa City limit (1.5 miles). This paved path will be 15 feet wide as it will serve as both the sidewalk and shared use path, accommodating users of varying speeds. Signalized crossing is planned at Power and Redmont Drive providing access to path. Design began in summer 2022 and construction is estimated to be completed by fall 2025.
  
  
• US60 Shared Use Path – Consolidated Canal to Eastern Canal (2.0 miles): This project will install a paved pathway along the north side of the US60 with enhanced crossings at 32nd Street and 39th Street and a pedestrian bridge across the Eastern Canal with a connection to Greenfield Road and Holmes Park. Design will begin fall 2024.
  
  
• Southeast Mesa Gateway Shared Use Path Phase 3 – Hawes Road to Power Road (3.0 miles): A paved pathway will be constructed in the ADOT right of way south of the 202 from the Phase 2 node at Hawes Road west to Power Road. Design is on hold.
  
  
• Red Mountain Multimodal Study – A feasibility study including Thomas Road, Higley, Longbow Parkway and Recker Road in the northeast area of Mesa.  The study will evaluate various options for bicycle facilities, connections to area activity centers and bicycle/pedestrian networks, and safety countermeasures.

• 2020-2021 Bicycle & Pedestrian Survey Results [PDF]
• 2018 Mesa Bicycle Master Plan Final  [PDF]
• FY2016-17 Annual Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Report [PDF] 
• 2016 Bike  & Pedestrian Survey Results [PDF] 
• 2015 Annual Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Report  [PDF]
• 2015 Bike & Pedestrian Survey Results [PDF]
• 2014 Annual Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Report [PDF]
• 2012 Bicycle Master Plan  [PDF]

Links

• League of American Bicyclists
• National Center for Bicycling and Walking
• NHTAS Bicycle Safety Program
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
• Guide to Bicycle Commuting
• Light Rail Safety
  
• Safe Kids Coalition of Maricopa