SpokeLife - Fall 2023

FALL 2023

MESA YOUTH FOCUS ON SAFETY Move Safe Public Service Announcements and Bike to Books Program

EXPLORE THE PATHS WITH THE WHOLE CREW Enjoying Mesa's shareduse paths as a family

ABC QUICK CHECK Do This Before You Ride

S p o k e L i f e M a g a z i n e i s p r o d u c e d b y t h e C i t y o f M e s a T r a n s p o r t a t i o n D e p a r t m e n t 's B i c y c l e a n d P e d e s t r i a n P r o g r a m .

Welcome

A LETTER FROM THE TEAM Summer is finally over and despite the record heat, it’s been a busy few months!

T

he update of the Transportation Master Plan is in full swing. It is a plan covering the next 25 years that considers how we will grow, where we will

SpokeLife Magazine is proud to be a 2023 International Hermes Creative Gold Award winner for the Spring 2023 issue. The award honors the creative industry’s best publications, advertising, marketing, and communications.

live, and how we will move. To provide our residents, visitors, and businesses with a transportation system that works, we need to face our transportation future head-on, and your input is a critical part of this endeavor.

The first phase of community engagement was completed at the end of May 2023. We held 10 community events and collected over 800 survey responses and interactive map comments. A second engagement phase commenced in August where the public can attend virtual workshops and provide feedback on what is presented. Visit tomorrowsmesa.com to get involved.

The City of Mesa was awarded $750K as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This money will be used to develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan. You can learn more about the grant on page 8.

We are excited to add new classes to our library lineup this fall. The new Bicycle Maintenance class will help you get your bike ready for riding season. We will review basics such as how to repair a flat tire, cable adjustment for brakes and shifters, and chain lubrication. We will also offer cycling classes geared toward older adults.

The Reindeer Roll and Stroll is back again this year and full of cheer! Come join us for the fun and festive, self-guided scavenger hunt throughout downtown Mesa.

In February we will host a “Love Your Brain” campaign with a Helmet Pop-up event at the Downtown Mesa Farmers Market. For more information about upcoming events and classes, check out page 24.

2015-2023 Mesa

The City of Mesa has proudly ranked “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 Mesa. 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.

We encourage you to drive less, ride often, always wear your helmet and be predictable!

D ep ar tm en t' s on ti ta or sp an Tr C it y of M es a ia n P ro g ra m tr es ed P d an e cl B ic y City of Mesa Transportation Department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

SPOKELIFE

Did you take an amazing photo while you were out on your ride?

Send us the image and you might be featured in our next issue of SpokeLife! Submit images by emailing: cyclomesa@mesaaz.gov

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 3

Contributors

Michelle Turner is a native Arizonan who wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world. The professional writer is an avid cyclist, hiker, and hopeful kayaker. She shares her home with her two rescued beagles and all of their chewed-up toys.

Amy McConnell is a Mesa native and chief curator of East Valley Moms. On her little slice of the Internet, she aims to create a more connected, joyful parenting experience by sharing hacks, resources and building a community of local moms living across Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe and Queen Creek.

MariaAngélica Deeb, P.E., F.ASCE. PTOE, is the Transportation Projects Coordinator for the City of Mesa. She has worked for the City for 18 years and is currently working on developing plans and projects that will make Mesa a more equitable, sustainable and resilient community. MariaAngélica enjoys living and working in a bike-friendly city.

Garrett Topham enjoys riding, collecting and maintaining bikes of all types. As the Senior Planner for the City of Mesa Transportation Department, he is often seen inspecting pathways, servicing equipment and traveling to meetings on his folding bicycle.

Christina Haase is a City of Mesa Public Information Officer (PIO) and enjoys shopping at local farmer's markets and binge-watching the latest shows on the weekend. This is SpokeLife's fifth issue with Christina at the helm.

City of Mesa's Bicycle and Pedestrian Team (from left to right): Garrett Topham, Christina Haase, MariaAngelica Deeb, Mark Venti and Sabine King

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 4

FALL 2023

SPOKELIFE

In this photo: Roll, skate, and scoot your way along Mesa's pathways with the kiddos.

6

I Bike Mesa

14

Get to know who's out on the

Two contests to get youth in the

trails and paths in Mesa.

8

Safe Streets for All

community more involved in active transportation and safety.

20

Learn more about the Safe Streets for All Grant that Mesa recently received.

9

Tips for navigating pathways with kids.

ABC Quick Check It's as easy as ABC to check your bike before you ride.

Book Review Recommended reading from Mesa Public Library.

Sign up for e-notifications on Mesa's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program at: mesaaz.gov/bikeped SPOKELIFE

ON THE COVER Enjoy Mesa's shareduse paths with littles this fall!

PHOTO CREDIT: Kate Mae

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL @cityofmesa @MesaBikePedProgram

21

Let's Roll

Calling All Young Creatives

@cityofmesa

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.

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 5

Who's Who on our Paths & Trails?

I BIKE MESA Britney Brimhall Age: Biking keeps me young at heart.

Occupation: Detective

Bicycling background: I started biking with my dad as a child.

As a kid, bicycling represented freedom and adventure! I loved to get out and explore the Valley with my friends. As a teenager, I used my bicycle as my primary mode of transportation. In college, I rode it to school and even took it into class with me—it was faster to bicycle commute than park and walk to class from the lot. As an adult, it’s a great way to start and end every workday and an amazing way to see the world!

Weekly Mileage: 60 miles Dream Bicycle: My current Specialized Sirrus Hybrid bike. It’s fast enough to commute, and sturdy enough to go off-road and carry all my belongings.

Favorite Thing About Riding in Mesa: We’ve got a great public transit system in case you want to connect with a bus or the light rail. Along my bike commute route, there are some great Mexican food restaurants, too, and I love the smells of the food cooking as I ride by.

Jon Kaus Age: 47 Occupation: Information Systems Coordinator

Average Length of Ride: 8.5 miles commute How Often Do You Commute? 4 days a week When/Why Did You Start Bicycling? I started for my health back in January 2023. So far, I have lost 22 lbs and I am no longer on blood pressure medication.

Dream Bicycle: Specialized S-Works Aethos Favorite Thing About Riding in Mesa: I feel like I am more connected to the community. Every morning, like clockwork, I wave at a retired couple, a jogger, and another bike commuter.

Do You Have a Favorite Place to Visit Along Your Route?

My favorite place is the last mile along the canal on my ride home. I get to see ducks grow up from small chicks, see fish swimming in the water, and wave to other cyclists on the path.

Want to be featured? Email cyclomesa@mesaaz.gov with your full name and why you like to bike in Mesa.

You just might be selected to be in the next issue of SpokeLife.

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 6

SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL WRITTEN BY MARIAANGÉLICA DEEB This year, the City of Mesa was awarded a $750,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program to develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, created under President Biden, established the new SS4A discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds to be spent over 5 years from 2022 through 2026.

Key items that Mesa’s plan will focus on: Programs, projects, and policies that improve the lives and health of residents.

Educate the community on how crashes are fundamentally a shared responsibility and a public safety issue, and encourage the adoption of crash reduction strategies.

Countermeasures aimed at reducing Citywide fatalities and serious injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes by 30% by 2030.

Specific projects aimed towards the goal of eliminating motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries.

Programs and policies that are equitable, inclusive, and address the needs of Mesa’s vulnerable and disadvantaged population.

SPOKELIFE

The grant funds will be used to identify safetyrelated projects that will include all key items stated. The development of the plan is expected to start in fall 2023 and it will be completed by fall 2024. This process includes public outreach, as well as, community engagement and the gathered information will be published when completed.

Mesa will then apply for a SSA4 implementation grant to construct projects identified in the plan.

To learn more about Safe Street for All grants, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website at: transportation.gov/grants/SS4A.

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 8

Cover Article

Right now, Mesa boasts nearly 15 miles of maintained, separated pathways that provide a safe alternative for families looking to practice biking (or riding scooters, skating or even stroller running) and it feels like they’re still one of the best kept secrets in town.

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 9

Cover Article

When we’re bored of traditional park play, these offroad, protected pathways are a fun change of pace while still getting fresh air and movement with our kids.

These pathways are 100 percent away from any road traffic, making them ideal for kids still learning wheely sports.

OUR FAVORITE PATH IN MESA One of our favorites is the Rio Salado Pathway. It starts at the Mesa Riverview Park where riders enter through a tunnel painted with a stunning mural painted by a local artist, Mary Shindell.

Once you pedal through the tunnel, you can bike east into Mesa or west into Tempe (Mesa coordinated with the City of Tempe, in a coordinated effort to connect the cities together through this pathway).

PATHWAYS PAIRED WITH PARKS If you’re making the pathways a driving destination for your family, we suggest either the Porter Park Pathway or the Rio Salado Pathway. These give kids a double-header outing by hitting up the playgrounds that are at both pathways as well.

Porter Park boasts a wood chip play area (no sand!), shaded ramadas and all the usual park play amenities.

Similarly, the Rio Salado Pathway is across the street from Riverview Park (and splash pad), giving access to the 50foot climbing tower, two playgrounds and more. Plus, there are bathrooms here!

Pathway playdate: We like to pack a picnic, leave it in the car while we ride the pathways and then picnic in the ramadas and play at the park to round out the outing.

Pathway Playdate: Ride up the pathway about a mile to Tempe Marketplace for ice cream or frozen yogurt before heading back down the pathway.

STROLLER RUNNING ON THE PATHWAYS If you’ve got a baby still in a stroller, the pathways are a wonderful option for stroller runs. They’re paved, flat and provide a healthy activity while getting out of the house.

Plan stroller runs around nap time and feeding times.

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 10

Cover Article

If your baby is small you’ll want to make sure they are fed and happy to hit the road in the stroller (or ready to nap on the ride). With tots still in strollers pack a snack, water, and a toy or a book to keep them entertained on the run.

In addition to the paths mentioned previously, the City of Mesa also has two additional pathways under construction to make its network of off-road biking options even more convenient for all Mesa families.

If you’ve got a tot on training wheels or a confident big kid wanting to log miles biking, these pathways are an incredible resource for local families to enjoy in this fall weather and take advantage of another great amenity from the City of Mesa.

SPOKELIFE

4 HACKS FOR WHEN YOU GO

● The City has created drone fly-over videos for the full

pathways to help parents plan their routes before packing everybody up in the car. View the videos at mesaaz.gov/bikeped under the Bike Maps section.

● All pathways are American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, making these accessible for siblings (or grandparents) with wheels.

● It’s a good idea for parents to avoid having headphones on (even with just one in) – you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings and keep an ear out for your kids.

● As always, when you’re taking your kids out on two wheels,

remember that a properly fitted helmet is one of the best ways to keep your kiddos safe while riding. The City of Mesa offers free helmets to Mesa residents who need them. Learn more about upcoming helmet opportunities at mesaaz.gov/bikeped.

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 11

For the most up-to-date citywide bikeway, path and trail information, visit: mesaaz.gov/maps

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 13

Featured Article

WRITTEN BY MICHELLE TURNER

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 14

Featured Article

In this photo: 2023 Move Safe PSA Contest Grand Prize Winner, Matthew H., with his new bicycle that he won.

Through two different contests, the city of Mesa is encouraging young people to take their imagination out for a spin and get creative when it comes to thinking about bicycling.

The first contest, the Move Safe Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest, asks students to create an original, short video that promotes ways to be safe while on foot or riding a bike. This contest is open to 12 to 18-year-olds, and it kicked off in September 2023.

Matthew Hall, a senior at Mountain View High School, won last year’s Move Safe PSA contest with a publicservice announcement (PSA) that emphasized the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street, wearing a bicycle helmet, and other safety precautions.

His thirty-second video, complete with narration

SPOKELIFE

and animation features tips for both walkers and bike riders. To get the shots he wanted, Hall didn’t have to go too far: he filmed the video in the area around his high school.

“I was really surprised that I won,” Hall said. “Other students in my class entered too and theirs were also really good.”

For Hall, the contest was a way to test his videocreation skills, skills that he believes will help open up more career choices for him in the future. A link to his video can be found at mesaaz.gov/movesafe.

M E S A A ZFEATURED . G O V / B I K ESTORY P E D || 116 5

“And I really wanted to win that bike,” said Hall, who enjoys cruising along the canals on his new grand-prize bike.

This year’s grand prize winner will also receive a bike worth up to $500 as well as having their video shown at select Harkins Movie Theatres and other goodies.

Contest participants can enter on their own, with their class, a group, or family members. Entries will be accepted now through January 31, 2024.

This contest is sponsored by the City of Mesa’s Transportation Department Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. Prizes are provided by Harkins Theatres, Phoenix Film Festival, Mesa Film Festival, Cox Communications and ASU’s Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center.

For more details, please go to mesaaz.gov/movesafe.

In this photo: A screenshot image from Matthew H.'s winning PSA video.

In this photo: Logo for Bike to Books Program.

The second contest, the Bike to Books program, offered young people a chance to design original art using bike symbols, with the winners’ designs to be placed on shared-use paths throughout Mesa. Contest participants ranged in age from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

There were three awards categories: pre-kindergarten to 2nd grade, 3rd through 6th grade, and 7th through 12th grade.

SPOKELIFE

It’s the first time contest like this has been held in Mesa. And its sponsors, the City of Mesa's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and the Mesa Public Library are delighted with the results.

“We asked for creative, original, whimsical designs,” said Mesa Library Director Polly Bonnett. “And that’s what we got! We are truly impressed by all the creativity out there. We can’t wait for people to see them.’’

The contest combined the love of reading with the love of cycling, Bennett said.

“Both activities open a world of adventures. We think it would be great if this encourages people to ride their bike to the public library or a neighborhood little library.’’

Winning designs will be installed on paths in late winter 2023/early 2024.

Visit mesalibrary.org/biketobooks to see the designs.

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 17

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 18

BIKE, BIKE, BIKE!

By Michelle Turner In writing his kids’ book, “Bike, Bike, Bike,” Mesa resident Joe Allaire brought together two of his greatest loves: his children and cycling.

In January, the mechanic saw how fascinated two-year-old Liam was at the annual Hawes-fest cycling event. “It was all ‘Da-da bike? Da-da bike?’’ said Allaire, laughing as he recalled his son’s wide-eyed wonder at all the things with wheels.

As Allaire pointed out the bikes on cars, bikes in trucks, bikes with big wheels and small, he realized he had the beginnings of a kids' book that he could write especially for Liam and his younger sister, Grace.

“We love reading to him and it just seemed like a natural to do this for both of them.’’

Allaire rode a bike growing up in Payson, but he became seriously hooked after he started mountain biking in east Mesa.

“You are out there and you’re dying because it is hard, but there’s a big old smile on your face. I love it.’’ One of Allaire’s favorites is the Mine Trail on the Hawes Trail Network, which allows riders to zip among Sonoran Desert cacti.

He wasn’t surprised Liam was immediately attracted to bikes. “He’s definitely my son.’’

At home, Liam has an indoor trike and a Striders bike without pedals. (Grace who is less than a year old is a little too young for bikes).

Allaire recently took Liam to the Desert Trails Bike Park and the little cyclist loved it.

“Now, it’s all, ‘Da-da bike park’?’’

"Bike, Bike, Bike" by Joe Allaire is available online for purchase at Amazon or visit your local Mesa Public Library to check out a copy.

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 19

Easy As ABC

LEARN THE

BY GARRETT TOPHAM

QUICK CHECK Has your bike been sitting in a hot garage all summer, patiently waiting to be taken out for a ride? Before you roll, do your bike – and yourself – a favor with the ABC Quick Check. This is a handy way to remember to check over critical parts of your bicycle that could prevent a breakdown – or crash.

Did you know that it’s perfectly normal for tires to lose pressure over time? Rubber is porous so air molecules can escape even if there isn’t a puncture. The first step of the ABC Quick Check is A – for AIR. The side of every tire has a recommended pressure range.

If you don’t have a gauge, they should feel as firm as a basketball.

Coming to a complete stop safely requires the B – for BRAKES – to be working properly. Standing beside the bike, squeeze the rear brake. There should be a gap of at least your thumb’s width between the lever and the bar. Next, pull back on the bars and the rear brake should allow the front wheel to lift. If you have front brakes, repeat this process by pushing forward on the bars. Look up how to tighten the brakes, attend a maintenance class or take it to a shop if your brakes do not work properly.

A bicycle relies on a chain to transfer energy from your legs to the rear wheel. C is for CHAIN but also for cranks and cassette or cog.

Look over the gears and make sure the chain is well lubricated so that when you pedal it is smooth and quiet. A misalignment of the shifting mechanism will cause the chain to skip.

The “Quick” is for QUICK RELEASE. Many bicycles have levers on the wheels and seat post which make them easy to remove without tools. But these can also loosen over time from vibration so it’s important to make sure the levers are tight and the word “Close” is on the outside.

The ”Check” simply means to CHECK over the rest of the bike for any loose or dangling parts. Drop your bike from about a foot and listen for any rattles or metallic sounds – these could indicate a loose part.

Even after performing the ABC Quick Check, it’s possible your bike may need air or adjustments during your ride. It’s a good idea to bring a pump, patch kit, a multi-tool, and a tube if you’re venturing farther than you’d like to walk.

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 20

Bikes and Books

BOOK REVIEW B Y

B R E N N A

K L A S S E N

Around the world, more people travel by bike than any other form of transpor -tation…

Two Wheels Good: The history and mystery of the bicycle

YOUTH READS Pre-K and K A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts

By Jody Rosen

Jody Rosen, a journalist and contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine as well as many other publications, absolutely loves his bike. Two Wheels Good: The history and mystery of the bicycle is his love letter to the machine whose history spans both centuries and continents.

According to Rosen “there are approximately one billion cars in the world today. There are twice as many bikes… Around the world, more people travel by bike than any other form of transportation… Almost anyone can learn to ride a bicycle. Nearly everyone does.” In Two Wheels Good, Rosen talks about everything from the bicycle’s beginnings (both pedal- and chain-less) to its green/climate-friendly revival in modern times. Two Wheels Good reads easily as part memoir and part offbeat historical lesson. Rosen’s bicycle love letter will appeal to both bicycle and history enthusiasts alike.

Want to check out these books and more?

Visit a Mesa Public Library!

GRADES 1-3 The Brave Cyclist: The true story of a Holocaust Hero by Amalia Hoffman

GRADES 4-6

Cycling Champion by Jake Maddox

ABOUT THE REVIEWER Brenna is a Programming Librarian at the City of Mesa's Dobson Ranch Library. She was born and raised in Tempe and rode her bike all over her neighborhood. Now she still rides, but reads about riding more.

GRADES 7+ Yowamushi Pedal Vol. 1

by Wataru Watanabe

mesapubliclibrary.org

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 21

What/Where/When

> UPCOMING EVENTS

> BIKE CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

October 25, 2023

Bike Mesa

Bicycle Maintenance*

Hosts group rides and events locally in Mesa.

Mesa Main Library 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

November 8, 2023

bikemesa.org

Smart Cycling FUN-damentals*

Gravity Riders Organization of Arizona

Dobson Ranch Library 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Advocacy, riders education and trail work. The Gravity Rider

November 15, 2023

community includes downhillers, freeriders, all-mountain riders,

Smart Cycling for Older Adults* Recommended for ages 55+ Red Mountain Library 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

December 9, 2023 Self-Guided Reindeer Roll and Stroll Downtown Mesa 4 - 8 p.m.

February 21, 2024

dirt jumpers and BMX riders of all ages. groaz.org Hawesaholics Mountain Bike community building and East Valley area group ride coordination.

Ask to join the group on Facebook!

Smart Cycling FUN-damentals*

San Tan Shredders

Mesa Main Library

Group rides for mountain

6 - 7:30 p.m.

February 22, 2024

bikers of all levels. meetup.com/santan-shredders

Love Your Brain Helmet Popup

Tempe Bicycle Action Group

Downtown Mesa Sunset Market 4: 00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

April 6, 2024 Save the Date: CycloMesa Festival The Plaza at Mesa City Center 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. * All Cycling Fundamentals and Bicycle Maintenance classes require registration. To sign-up, visit: mesalibrary.org

ABC Bicycle and Jetski Rentals 3655 E. Main Street 480-641-2453 abcjetski.com

Action Rideshop 1316 S. Gilbert Road 480-839-4772 actionrideshop.com

Archer's Bikes 1530 N. Country Club Drive 480-275-5818 archersbikes.com

Bike Boss 5057 E. McKellips Road, Suite 104 480-637-0806 bikebossmesaaz.com

Bike Masters AZ 1545 S. Power Road 480-660-6842 bikemastersaz.com 2031 N. Power Road 480-699-0072 bikemastersaz.com

Global Bikes and E-Bikes 1010 W. Southern Ave, Suite 3 480-892-1315 globalbikes.info

Hawes House 2837 N. Power Road #110 480-380-8222 haweshousebikeshop.com

biketempe.org

Paragon Cycling

We-Cycle-USA

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

Helps kids and adults in need to recycle and refurbish bikes. we-cycle-usa.com

SPOKELIFE

BIKE SHOPS

Velozoom 3654 N. Power Rd. Suite 127 480-744-5940 velozoom.bike

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 22

Recent trends continue to highlight a strong desire for communities to be bike-friendly, and the City of Mesa’s Transportation Department Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is continuously working on creating enhanced pathways to provide safe connections for all residents to use when traveling through the city.

Stay up-to-date by signing up for e-notifications from City of Mesa's Bicycle & Pedestrian Program at: MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

@MesaBikePedProgram @CityofMesa @mesaazgov