Spoke Life Spring 2020 by City of Mesa, AZ

SPRING 2020

Living their best life: Why becoming bikecentric made sense for one Mesa family

CycloMesa 2020: Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest bike festival more focused on families Northeast Mesa Rider: New Shared-Use Path Coming Soon

Welcome

A Letter From

The Bike and Pedestrian Team

The City of Mesa has proudly ranked a “Silver Status” as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists since 2015. Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program provides many services and educational opportunities to enrich the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in the City. The goal of the Bike and Pedestrian Program is to increase the ridership and activity throughout the City so residents can take advantage of this form of affordable and healthy transportation.

Cheers from 2020—it’s been a full cycling season and there’s still movies, festivals and classes keeping us busy until summer. One new offering this spring that’s been in the works for a while is our first Adult Education Class in Spanish at the library. This has been a request from residents, and we’ve heard you. Speaking of feedback, so much of what the Bike & Pedestrian Program plans and programs is based on resident feedback. Our 2020 survey just closed, and we are analyzing the results now. Thank you to everyone who voiced their opinions; we’ll report in the fall on trends from the survey and how that’s shaping future plans for the program. In November, we hosted a showing of MOTHERLOAD, a documentary about a new mother’s quest to understand the increasing isolation and disconnection of the digital age, its planetary impact, and how cargo bikes could be an antidote. In our cover story, you’ll meet the Weaver family and learn about their decision to pursue a bike-centric lifestyle in Mesa. Looking forward, we’ve revamped CycloMesa, the state’s largest bicycle festival. Slated for April 4, 2020, in downtown Mesa, we hope to see you there on two-wheels.

Spoke Life Mesa received a Platinum Award in the Print Media Publication category by the MarCom Awards for the fall 2018 issue. The MarCom Awards is administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals and is one of the largest international creative competitions for marketing and public relations.

Happy Riding! City of Mesa Bike & Pedestrian Program team

SpokeLife Mesa was recently honored by the Public Relations Society of America as a recipient in the 2019 Copper Anvil Awards, which celebrates excellence in public relations and communications. The spring 2019 issue won in the “print magazine” category and competed against publications from across the state of Arizona.

Photo Credit: Ryan Glasser

Spring 2020

in Mesa!

Contributors

Jackie Dishner, mountain bike enthusiast, journalist and author of Backroads & Byways of Arizona (The Countryman Press, 2010), has been riding for 15 years. For one of her assignments for SpokeLife magazine, she finally learned how to change a flat tire. But she’s still not giving up thick inner tubes. Dani Ganley is an Arizona native and ASU alum currently feeling constant cacti and sunset withdrawals as she lives in The Golden State, California. Besides writing, she enjoys exploring arts festivals, cross stitching and spending her time at theme parks.

Gretchen Pahia is an Arizona native and NAU alum. She keeps active by running, working out, playing sports and watching movies with her husband and two kids. Gretchen has been writing in the Valley for more than 15 years and is Principal and Owner of Media by Connection. Amy McConnell is a City of Mesa PIO by day and a lover of shopping local, supporting the slowfoods movement and connoisseur of Broadway shows by night. This is SpokeLife’s seventh issue with Amy at the helm.

Keeping You

Meghann Finn Sepulveda is a local freelance writer and communication professional. A native of New York and ASU grad, Meghann enjoys spending her free time running, cooking and volunteering at the school where her children attend. She lives in the East Valley with her husband and three children.

Earth-Friendly Programs · Backyard Composting Program · Grass-to-Xeriscape Incentive · Solar Rebates for Mesa Electric Customers · Water– Use It Wisely · Prescription Drug Disposal · Cooking Oil Recycling · Mesa Urban Garden · Arbor Day Celebrations & Tree City USA · Paint Reuse Program · Living Green Events · Monthly $ustainability $avings Tips · Valley Metro Bus & Light Rail · Bike & Pedestrian Program · Green Waste Barrel Program · Household Hazardous Materials Facility · Amazing City Parks/ Pools · Mesa Farmers Market and Flea

Welcome

A Letter From the Bike & Pedestrian Team

Expanding Pathways

Where ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’ for a Ride near the Neighborhood

Ride Now

Cycling Commuter Tips from a Traffic Engineer

4 Contributors 6

Who’s Who on our Paths & Trails?

10 Maps

Pg8

15 Local Love 18 Ride Now

Pg 15

Fuel Your Ride

Tips for Storing Your Bike this Summer

Two-Wheel Tip

Ride on! Explore Mesa’s Six Bike Routes

Cover Story

Living Their Best Life

20 Party in the Park 22 What/Where/When

City of Mesa Bike & Pedestrian Team: Mark Venti, Garret Topham, Al Zubi, Maria Angelica Deeb and Ashley Barinka. (left to right)

Pg 16

Report potholes, graffiti, street light outages and more, download the City’s free mobile app. Search Mesa CityLink to download from the App Store or Google Play. @cityofmesa

@cityofmesa

mesaaz.gov/sustainability Spring 2020

Who’s Who on our Paths & Trails?

Expanding Pathways

Bicycling has a pizza his heart

Where ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’ for a Ride near the Neighborhood

Co-Owner of Organ Stop Pizza Jack Barz shares his cycling story By: Dani Ganley

By: Dani Ganley

ack Barz, co-owner of Organ Stop Pizza, just can’t quit cycling. Kind of like we all probably feel like we can’t quit pizza— and shouldn’t! What started in 2003 with a triathlon to get in shape, and ended in two popped tires, eventually expanded into a hobby that has given Barz the opportunity to find a release and explore Mesa in a whole-new way. After the triathlon, Barz hung up his bike for a little, but decided to get back into cycling in 2016 with Ruby (a road bike), who took him to places he’d never imagined, both literally and figuratively. “When riding, I get so much joy out of seeing Mama ducks and her ducklings swimming,” Barz shared about his rides along the canal systems that run through Mesa and the rest of the East Valley. He’s been enjoying the ride so much, he even bought another bike— Micki, built for off-roading along gravel and dirt paths. “Micki made me feel like a teenage boy again riding my old Mongoose BMX bike, she is more sturdy than Ruby and I can jump and bunny hop on her, she’s so much fun!”

Lehi Crossing Shared-Use Path will bring new options for cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians in Mesa to get active.

For Barz, cycling turned into more than just a way to get healthy. “When I start getting stressed about life, I turn to my two trusty companions,” Barz said of his bikes Ruby and Micki. “I can take either of them out and re-focus my energy on what really matters, my family and friends.”

Spring 2020

Can you picture a shared-use pathway with a view of the beautiful desert and the water? Well, pretty soon you won’t have to use your imagination. The 2.2-mile Lehi Crossing Shared-Use Path is in development, bringing a great new option for cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians to enjoy Mesa and its natural and historical surroundings. The path, which was a part of the 2018 bond package approved by Mesa residents, will be easily accessible from nearby residential areas, and will provide connections to both existing and future pathways, sidewalks and bike routes. If you’re more than a walk, pedal or trot away from the pathway, limited parking will be available at both path trailheads: at the intersections of Lehi Road and McDowell Road, and at the intersection of the SR 202 and Val Vista Road. “It’s really beautiful, it’s a lot of really nice scenery,” Al Zubi, City of Mesa Transportation Department Supervising Engineer, shared. Not only will the path have desert charm, as its designed to run along the northern part of the South Canal, it will offer a unique water side pathway, in delightful contrast to our desert environment. Of course, a project like this can’t come together without a lot of work behind the scenes— and residents will be involved in some of the development through the City’s project outreach and public meetings. “This is really something the community is involved in,” Zubi said. The City plans to work in partnership with local community stakeholders, incorporating residents’ feedback as they go, to create a final pathway, by and for the local community, that everyone can enjoy.

WWW.CYCLOMESA.COM 7

Ride Now

Photo credits: Ryan Glauser

Cycling Commuter Tips from a Traffic Engineer

Tips for Storing Your Bike this Summer

By: Jackie Dishner

If you’ve driven anywhere in Mesa, you’ve probably seen from time to time what looks like black rubber hoses stretched across a street or two. Called pneumatic road tubes, they are attached to a machine on the side of the road. Maybe you’ve hesitated as you’ve driven over them. You may have asked yourself, “What are these for?” Hollow in the center, the tube flattens as your vehicle passes over it, sending a burst of air pressure that results in an electrical signal transmitted to a counter or analysis software in the machine. The tubes are what city transportation departments commonly use to determine the amount of traffic on a road, calculate the speed of cars passing through, and conduct other traffic studies that might result in the installation of a designated bike path. “It’s the most common way to study traffic issues,” says Sabine Ellis, P.E., City Traffic Engineer with the City of Mesa. Her team may also go out to a site themselves to observe, take measurements, check visibility and look for patterns, says Ellis, whose job is to keep people safe on the streets. Her work is based on public complaints. “We need bike lanes!” is a common one, because drivers of motorized vehicles “drive way too fast,” she says. To determine if a bike lane might be the solution, she has to monitor how fast cars are actually traveling on the road. She needs to know how wide the road is, if there’s even room to add a bike lane. And her team looks at crash numbers provided by the city’s police department. While bike lanes certainly give bikes their own space, which means less interaction between cars and cyclists, she says, the road might be more suited for a traffic signal. “We have to go check it out.” Cyclists can also do their part in making sure they stay safe on the city’s streets. Ellis offers these tips: • Know the rules of the road. Ride with traffic, not against it. Watch for “Ride With Traffic” signs. They face the wrong side of the road. If you can read that sign while cycling, you’re riding the 8

Fuel Your Ride

By: Gretchen Pahia

wrong way. • Picking the safest route for your ride depends on your goal. For a 50-mile ride, you might not mind the risk of heavily trafficked arterials. But to commute back and forth a shorter distance to work or for recreation, she recommends riding through the neighborhoods on bike lanes and paths where the traffic is lighter than on arterials, the speed is slower, and it’s more relaxing – and safer. • Use the city’s bike map – available online at mesaaz.gov/bikeped – to find six numbered bike routes to area attractions and follow the matching numbered signs. • Because auto traffic might not see you, ride as if you are invisible. Exercise caution when approaching intersections, parking lots and driveways. And use hand signals to help make sure you’re seen. • Avoid crossing the street mid-block. It’s one of the most common reasons for accidents. Instead, use intersections where traffic signals or signs are located. • If you don’t know the rules of the road or safety hand signals, the City of Mesa’s Bike & Pedestrian Program offers free classes. Visit Mesa Library’s events calendar for class listings.

As summer temperatures begin to rise and riding season sunsets until the fall, easy access to your bike isn’t as necessary. Home experts at Opendoor shared tips for summer bike storage, especially for residents with smaller spaces. Here are some of their tips on making sure your wheels don’t get in the way this summer break: 1. Garage Wall Clamps: The garage is a great space for seasonal items like bikes and it’s easy with these wall mounted organizers. You can also use them to store other gear, such as bike pumps, helmets and water bottles. 2. Hardware J-Hooks: One of the most costeffective ways to store a bike is with rubbercoated hooks which you can quickly screw into the ceiling of a garage, shed or other space. 3. Under-Stairs: This works in a smaller home or in a basement if you have one so the bike remains out of site, but easily accessible. 4. Wall Mounted in Home: If you live in a space without a garage or stairs, another great option are wall mounts in your laundry room, closet or other indoor space. These space saving ideas can help you store your bike this summer when you aren’t hitting the streets on your two wheels as often and are doing indoor cycling classes instead.

Your Bike Was Just

If you heard the words, “Your Bike Was Just STTOLEN,” do you have all of the necessary information to provide to Police in order to get it back? Fill ou ut th his ca ard, Su ubmit itt On n-Line, orr Print an nd Ma ail itt to o orr Drrop itt offf att an ny Mesa Po olice sttation to o re egister yo our biike.

STOLEN!

You ca an allso crreate yo our ow wn personal prroperty in nventory att Le eads On n Liine: http://reportit.leadsonline.com/main/mainPage.aspx Note: A Le eads on n Liine Pe ersonal Prroperty In nventory do oes no ot register yo our prroperty wiith th he Me esa Po olice De epartment .

Do You Know Your Serial Number?

NEED YOUR BIKE? Your Bicycle Serial Number is located on the bottom of the pedal casing. If your bike does not have one, engrave your Driver’s License number in this location and record that number on the registration card below.

~ PHOTOGRAPH IT ~ REGISTER IT ~ LOCK IT ~ WEAR A HELMET ~ OBEY TRAFFIC LAWS

Bicycle Registration ~ Be sure to print a copy for your records before submitting. * Indicates REQUIRED Field *Name: _______________________________________________________________ *Phone: (_______) _______ - ____________

*Age: _____

*Sex: M ___

*Bike Make: ____________________________________________________

F ___ Fenders? Yes ___ No ___

*Bike Model: ____________________________________________________________________________ *Bike Color(s): ______________________ ______________________ Bike Size: ___________________

*Serial #: __________________________________________________ If No Serial # Found on Bike, Complete Next Line: Owner Applied #: __________________________________ Driver’s Lic.? Yes ___ No ___ State: ______ Notes: __________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Date Submitted: _____ /_____ /20_____

___ Mailed In

___ Dropped Off

___ Submitted On-Line

* By checking this box you are attesting to the truthfulness of the information contained in the Registration Form and confirm that you understand that false reporting to the Police is a crime.

This Se ection fo or Me esa Po olice De epartment Usse On nly:

RM MS Biike ID D#___________

SUBMIT FORM

Received __ ___ / __ ___ / 20 0___ En ntered Byy: __ _____________________ Ba adge#__________ MPD 514(F)

New 7/13

Sabine Ellis, Mesa’s City Traffic Engineer

Spring 2020

Two-Wheel Tip

Local Love

Ride on! Explore Mesa’s Six Bike Routes These safe and scenic routes will get you where you want to go

Know your safety is top priority The bike routes were carefully planned and created with safety in mind. “The bike routes help keep bicyclists off major roadways and away from traffic congestion, while effectively getting them from point A to point B,” Zubi said. “The result is a safer and more comfortable ride.” Several bike routes also connect with Mesa’s shared-use pathways including canals and other paved areas that are separated from the road and used by walkers, runners, and riders alike. More shared-use pathways are planned as the City continues to develop and grow. Enjoy the sights

By: Meghann Finn Sepulveda

As a bicycle friendly community, Mesa boasts six bike routes that span across the city. Designed to provide a safe, alternative mode of transportation to residents and visitors, these bike routes, also lead to some of the most beautiful and popular points of interest that make Mesa popular with recreational riders.

Since Mesa’s bike routes span the entire city, those who take advantage of them can stop and enjoy the many points of interest along the way. “Riders can choose a bike route that will take them to shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments,” Zubi said. “Bike routes are not only convenient but are also a great alternative mode of transportation.” Bike routes vary in mileage and feature smooth terrain, perfect for cyclists of all ages and skill level. Bike route 5 includes a connector to Hohokam Stadium, the spring training home of the Oakland A’s, a popular attraction for Mesa residents and visitors. Bike route 1 spans from the Fiesta District to Superstition Springs Mall. “Bike route 2 encompasses the Dobson Ranch area into Chandler and bike route 3 travels on First Street into Downtown Mesa,” Zubi explained. “Situated only a quarter of a mile from Pioneer Park is bike route 4.” Each bike route has its own unique sights and landmarks for cyclists to enjoy. Explore some of Mesa’s bike routes and join other bicyclists at Mesa’s annual bicycle fest, CycloMesa, on Saturday, April 4 in Downtown. Learn more about Mesa’s bike routes, including a detailed map, at MesaAZ.gov.

How Mesa is Building an Inclusive Bicycling Community By: Jackie Dishner hen cities participate in Bike-to-Work days, sponsor public cycling events and offer bike education classes, they help create a more inclusive cycling community, according to the cycling advocacy group People for Bikes. The City of Mesa, with more than 300 centerline miles of bike facilities (routes marked as usable for cycling), is one such city. Bike-to-Work days, CycloMesa and classes are already on the city’s annual calendar. This year, Mesa is developing plans to step it up further, based on the results of a recent public survey project. In July 2019, Mesa’s Bicycling & Pedestrian Program was part of Mesa Moves, a campaign designed to gather feedback from the community in order to help prioritize future road and street projects. The survey is now complete and of the more than 6,000 residents responding, some also participated in focus groups and community meetings. The Mesa Moves survey found that 72 percent want more bike-focused roads. More specifically, residents want to open access to more people who want to ride. They want to see more separated bike lanes with curbs, such as the two-way cycletrack on Alma School Road and at Country Club, and more Complete Streets as in the Fiesta District, says Al Zubi, Supervising Engineer at the City of Mesa Transportation Department. The City has already expanded opportunities to make cycling safer for families and children by developing and building shared-use pathways that are non-motorized and are ADA-compliant wherever possible. It also has developed bike routes.

New this year, the Bicycle & Pedestrian Program has created a bilingual bike education class. Zubi expects program instructors will begin teaching it (Smart Cycling Fundamentals translated into Spanish) at the Mesa Public Library this spring. This is the first year the class, geared toward adults, is being taught in Spanish. As far as where any new bike facilities might go, Zubi says, “We don’t know yet.” The next steps involve getting City Council approval on any street projects. His department is compiling recommendations they will take to Council as part of the city’s Capital Improvement Project, in line with both the 2018 Mesa Bicycle Master Plan and constituent input. Access to bikes themselves can also be a barrier to entry that prohibits inclusivity. When Grid Bikes decided to pull out of Mesa at the end of last year, the city went into discussions with another shared-use vehicle company. Expect to see shared use scooters, bicycles, and e-bikes in town soon. The low-cost dockless system will make it easier for more people to access a bike anywhere they can find one.

Plan your ride Whether you’re headed into Downtown Mesa for a work meeting or over to Pioneer Park for an afternoon picnic with the family, there is a designated bike route that will get you there. “Mesa maps showing our six bike routes, shared-use pathways, and other bicycle and pedestrian facilities are available online and at local bike shops,” said Al Zubi, Supervising Engineer at City of Mesa. Some of Mesa’s bike routes cross each other and connect with neighboring cities like Chandler, Tempe and Gilbert. “Regional bike route maps are also available for cyclists who are traveling from Mesa to another part of the Valley,” Zubi explained.

Photo credits: Ryan Glauser

Photo credit: Ryan Glauser

Spring 2020

Cover Story

Living Their Best Life

frugal and fun,” Camille said. “I also love the environment and want to do my part to keep it clean.” Another benefit of a bike-centric lifestyle is that exercise – whether it’s achieved through biking or walking – is naturally built in to your everyday life, and is especially convenient during the cooler months. “The great thing is that I can stay active and healthy and don’t have to buy a gym membership,” she said.

Why becoming bike-centric made sense for one Mesa family By: Meghann Finn Sepulveda

When Camille and Josh Weaver made the decision to move to Arizona three years ago, they specifically chose to settle in Mesa because they wanted to pursue a bike-centric lifestyle. It was a no brainer for the couple who selected a home in a neighborhood close to schools, restaurants and shopping. After adopting a bike-centric lifestyle the Weavers quickly discovered that they are not only saving money on vehicle expenses and reducing air pollution, but they are also experiencing the outdoors and connecting with their community on a much deeper level.

A different point of view Since her family has become more bike-centric, Camille says they have been able to slow down and take in nature’s beauty. “We appreciate the sounds and smells around us,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of interesting conversations with the kids after our bike rides about what they see, hear and feel and have used those opportunities as teaching moments.” Their lifestyle has also made the Weavers feel more holistically engaged as citizens and helped created a deeper awareness of their community.

Daily life Camille, a stay-at-home-mom to two daughters ages 5 and 6, said the decision to become car-free was an easy one, especially since Josh works remotely. “Everything we need is nearby,” she explained. “We can walk or bike to the grocery store and the girls’ school.” The Weavers, who live in west Mesa, are also in close proximity to the light rail. “We ride our bikes to the light rail station and take the light rail to Downtown Mesa or into Phoenix.” Finding their why One of the reasons why the Weavers chose a bike-centric lifestyle was to eliminate the added expenses that come with owning and maintaining a vehicle. “I’ve always looked for ways to save money and this was both

Networking – Idea Sharing – Inspiration

New n! tio Loca

$30 by 3/1/20, $35 by 3/27/20, $40 after 3/27/20, $10 for students Breakfast provided by:

Lunch provided by:

An achievable goal Camille is thankful to live in a city where a bike-centric lifestyle is attainable. Although she and her husband both own cars, they are considering downsizing to just one in the near future. “A lot of people think you can’t have a bike-centric lifestyle in the Valley, but it’s a lot easier than you would expect,” she said. The Weavers believe it’s possible if you put your mind to it. “You just need to come up with a plan,” she said. “You’ll quickly realize that this lifestyle is doable and you’ll feel much more appreciative of your surroundings.”

Friday, April 3rd 9 AM - 3 PM The Nile Theater - 105 W Main St, Mesa, AZ

The Summit gathers leaders, educators, planners, public health professionals, event promoters, and cyclists of all kinds to discuss current issues related to bicycling in Arizona. The Summit includes: Raffles, Vendors, Exhibits, and AICP Credits, as well as presentations on: •State of the Bike Industry •The Maricopa Trail •Safe Routes to School •Bicycle Tourism & Economic Development •Bicycle Mobility Performance Measures *Advocacy, Bicycle Traffic Control & more!

*Join us for a group bike ride to additional Happy Hour location in Tempe - 4:30 to 6:30 PM snack bar & drink specials provided by:

& Post Summit Happy Hour* - 3:30 to 5:30 PM - appetizers & drink specials in downtown Mesa provided by:

www.cazbike.org/summit2020/

Photo credit: Ryan Glauser

Spring 2020

Ride Now

BIKE MONTH

Bike Injury Basics What to do if your child is involved in a bike accident By: Meghann Finn Sepulveda

If you drive around any Mesa neighborhood after 3 p.m., you’ll likely see kids riding their bikes. Riding bikes is a great activity for kids, but accidents can happen. When a child gets hurt, it’s important to know what to do. We spoke with John Boyd, Injury Prevention Specialist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, who shared valuable safety tips and prevention techniques every parent needs to know. Head injuries

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of a head injury is with a helmet, but unfortunately, not all kids wear one. If a child falls off their bike – whether it’s moving or still – and hits their head, it’s a good idea to seek medical care. “Don’t wait to take a child to an emergency room, especially if there is bleeding or bruising or any signs of a more serious injury such as a concussion,” Boyd said. “Sometimes symptoms may not be immediately evident and could have lasting effects.” Children who complain of a headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or confusion may need immediate medical attention. At Phoenix Children’s Hospital, emergency room staff are trained to perform a concussion protocol to determine the best course of treatment. The hospital

also provides complimentary helmets to families in need to help keep kids safe on their bikes, scooters, skates, and ATVs. “The biggest misconception about helmets is that they’re not necessary, especially if kids are just riding their bikes in the driveway or close to home,” Boyd said. “A properly fitted helmet will provide protection and should be worn at all times.” Choose bike helmets that meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards and replace them after a crash or when suggested by the manufacturer.

Logged my miles in the National Bike Challenge

Biked in the rain

Rode someplace I'd never ridden before

Said hello to another bicyclist

Added air to tires

Biked at least 10 miles in one day

Encouraged a friend to start riding

Rode to school or work

Rode to the grocery store

Rode to a community meeting

Joined a group ride

Participated in a special Bike Month event!

Rode to a date

Rode with kids

Rode on a trail

Rode on a velodrome

Rode farther than I ever have before

Changed a bike tire

Went mountain biking

Visited bikeleague.org

Tweeted about biking

Lubed my chain

Visited my local bike shop

I'm a member of the League

Bruises, bumps and broken bones

Sometimes a fall may result in a minor injury like a cut or scrape and can be easily treated at home, and other times a more serious injury like a fracture may require a visit to the doctor. Although kids of all ages are prone to injury, Boyd says boys who are between the ages of 10 and 14 are more susceptible. “Kids in this age group have more freedom to spend time at friends’ houses or ride their bike to school,” he explained. “Adult supervision is key.” For more information about the Bike and Pedestrian program and the children’s bike safety classes offered at the City of Mesa, visit MesaAZ. gov. Learn more about the comprehensive services offered at Phoenix Children’s Hospital at PhoenixChildrens.org. Spring 2020

This winter, we were inspired by the Chasing Mailboxes blog, which challenged bicyclists to complete at least seven different errands by bike: the Errandonnee! That great idea got us thinking about Bike Month — and all the different ways we enjoy biking in our daily lives. So we created a Bike Month Bingo card to challenge YOU to pedal somewhere new or use your bike in a different way. Enjoy!

Share a picture of you with your completed card on our Twitter feed (@BikeLeague) and you could win a prize! produced by

Party in the Park Photo credits: Ryan Glauser

Grab the family for a ‘wheelie’ good time! The eighth-annual CycloMesa is back on April 4

Photo credits: Ryan Glauser

DISCOVER & CREATE! VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES YOUTH • TEENS • ADULTS

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., enjoy a range of activities from live music and food trucks to a kids zone from We-Cycle-USA and more. The kids can enjoy activities including a zip line, rock wall and inflatables. If they’re just about to get started with their bike riding, be sure to pick up a free kids helmet and catch one of the bike safety talks throughout the afternoon. Make sure you bring your family’s bikes along for the celebration, too! Your kids won’t want to miss out on the kids bike rodeo. It’s the coolest place to be! When they compete in the rodeo, they’ll receive a ticket to redeem for free ice cream. What could be cooler? After all the bouncing, zip lining, rock climbing and, of course, cycling, you’ll surely have worked up an appetite! Luckily, there will be plenty of yummy food trucks for you to chow down at. Are you excited yet? Well, make sure your calendar is marked for April 4! You don’t want to miss it. Visit cyclomesa.com for event details.

By: Dani Ganley

Whether you just took the training wheels off of your tike’s first bike or go on regular afternoon rides together, CycloMesa is the perfect place to come together and celebrate two great things: family time and cycling! On Saturday, April 4, 2020, CycloMesa returns with fun for the whole family. CycloMesa is the Valley’s biggest bicycle festival of the season. The free, familyfriendly event is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities. Even if you’re not the biggest bike enthusiast out there, there’s lots to explore and do as you enjoy the celebration with your community. This is the eighth year of CycloMesa, which is hosted annually by the City of Mesa Transportation Department Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. This year, the event offers even more activities for the whole family, and is being offered in a new location in historic Downtown Mesa on Main Street and Macdonald.

A SMART LOCATION FOR INTELLIGENT STARTUPS.

JOIN US. • P r i v at e o f f i ce a n d co - wo r k i n g s p a ce • We t a n d d r y l a b s • C o l l a b o rat i ve a r e as • C o n fe r e n ce r o o m s a n d c l as s r o o m s • B u s i n e s s d e v e lo p m e n t as s i s t a n c e • N e t wo r k i n g a n d t ra i n i n g

LOCATE AND GROW YOUR STARTUP AT LAUNCHPOINT. ONE E MAIN STREET | MESA, AZ 85201 MESAARTSCENTER.COM | 480.644.6500 |   

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY BY CALLING 480.644.3964. LAUNCHPOINTMESA.COM

Photo credits: Ryan Glauser

Spring 2020

What/Where/When

› SPRING EVENTS March 4, 2020 Kids Education Class- RM Library 4 pm March 7, 2020 Ride in Movie at Red Mountain Park 7 pm April 3, 2020 Bicycle Summit at The Nile Theater 9 am – 3 pm April 4, 2020 CycloMesa in Downtown Mesa 11am-3pm April 15, 2020 Mesa Bike2Work Day April 18, 2020 Celebrate Mesa at Pioneer Park 5-9pm June 3, 2020 Adult Education Class at | Main Library 6pm June 10, 2020 Kids Education Class at Main Library 4pm

› BIKE CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

› BIKE SHOPS

Blazing Saddles Ride Club

ABC Bicycle & Jetski Rentals

Group road and mountain bike rides for all levels. Skills and maintenance clinics.

3655 E. Main Street 480-641-2453 abcjetski.com

meetup.com/bike-masters-bikesdirect-blazing-saddles-rides-club

Action Rideshop

Gravity Riders Organization of Arizona

Archer’s Bikes

Advocacy, rider education and trail work. The Gravity Rider community includes downhillers, freeriders, all-mountain riders, dirt jumpers and BMX riders of all ages.

Bike Boss

gravityridersaz.com San Tan Shredders Group rides for mountain bikers of all levels.

1316 S. Gilbert Road 480-839-4772 Actionrideshop.com

1530 N. Country Club Drive 480-275-5818 archersbikes.com

1933 E. University Drive 480-329-3034 Bikebossmesa.com

Bikes Direct Mesa 1545 S. Power Road 480-891-8901 bikesdirectaz.com

Bike Masters

meetup.com/santan-shredders

1545 S. Power Road 480-891-8901 bikemastersaz.com

Tempe Bicycle Action Group

Bike Masters Gilbert

Working to make bicycling a prominent, safe and convenient form of transportation and recreation in the region. Also hosts group rides and events.

Global Bikes & E-bikes

biketempe.org We-Cycle-USA Help kids and adults in need to recycle and refurbish bikes. wecycleusa.org

San Tan Village Mall 2244 E. Williams Field Road 480-857-7000 bikemastersaz.com

1010 W. Southern Ave, Suite 3 Mesa, AZ 85210 480-892-1315 www.globalbikes.info Opening March 2020

Mike’s Bike Chalet

5050 E. University Drive 480-807-2944 mikesbikechalet.com

Paragon Cycling

1106 N. Gilbert Road 480-830-1620 paragoncycling.com

Two Wheel Jones

2837 N. Power Road #110 480-380-8222 twowheeljones.com

Spring 2020

Recent trends continue to highlight a strong desire for communities to be bike-friendly, and the City of Mesaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transportation Department Bike & Pedestrian Program is continuously working on creating enhanced pedestrian pathways to provide safe connections for residents to travel through the city on two-wheels.

Stay up to date with current projects and announcements! Sign up for e-notifications on Mesaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bike & Pedestrian Program at mesaaz.gov/bikeped or follow us: MesaBikePedProgram @cityofmesa @cityofmesa