SpokeLife Fall 2021 by City of Mesa, AZ

FALL 2021

GEARED TOWARD GIVING Pr ovi di ng Bi kes t o Peopl e i n Need

SLOW BIKING The biking movement that is changing up the pace of commuting

STRETCH IT OUT 3 stretches you can do at your desk

FALL 2021

SPOKELIFE

Report from Your Ride

Slow Biking

There's an app for that! Let us know

Slow cycling movement has picked

when you see issues as you ride through a neighborhood, bike path or street by downloading CityLink.

up speed. Read about trying a different pace for your commuting experiences.

Geared For Giving We-Cycle U.S.A., a local Mesa nonprofit, is providing bikes to people in need.

ON THE COVER Hello, Fall! As the temperature cools down it's one of the best times of the year to go for a ride.

Stretch it Out Three great stretches that you can do at your desk to help improve range of motion, posture, and help decrease stress.

@cityofmesa MesaBikePedProgram @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.

PROGRAM UPDATE

First Avenue Project City of Mesa’s Transportation Department has begun work on a separated bike lane on First Avenue. The separated bike lane model is

vehicles and include bike

with input from the community

the first of this kind in Mesa and

delineators.

to create a safer environment

will provide dedicated bicycle

and additional commuting

facilities for downtown Mesa.

The roadway surface has been

options for bicyclists in the

Once completed, the green bike

refreshed and striping has

area. The project is scheduled

lanes will run three-fourths of a

already been installed. Now

to finish by the end of

mile along First Avenue between

we're waiting for the cure time

November 2021. We are so

Country Club Drive in downtown

to pass to install delineators and

excited for you to see the

Mesa. Lanes will be eight-foot-

green paint. As part of City of

completed project and enjoy

wide with four-foot separated

Mesa’s Bike and Pedestrian Plan,

using a separated bike lane in

buffers from motorized

the project has come to fruition

downtown Mesa.

SPOKELIFE

FALL 2021 | 3

Photo Credit: Brenton Booth

REPORT FROM YOUR RIDE

Smartphone App Enables Riders to Submit Issues Seen on Bike Rides Biking through the City allows riders to see Mesa through a unique perspective that drivers don’t get. You’re up-close and have the option to interact with your surrounding area as you wheel through a neighborhood, bike path, or road. The City of Mesa launched CityLink, a smartphone app that helps keep our City clean and safe, including striving to make the City graffiti-free, by collecting reports of vandalism from citizens. How does this impact our biking community? When rolling through the City on wheels, especially across shared-use paths, we are asking you to report any graffiti, buckled walkways, overgrown vegetation, and other issues that you see. It’s easy to report! The app guides users step-by-step to take a photo of the issue and submit it. Using the smartphone’s built-in GPS, the app automatically collects the location of the request to enable Mesa’s graffiti abatement team to be dispatched to the exact location. Once reported, graffiti will be removed within 24 hours on City business days; a standby dispatch crew is on-call during weekends and holidays for offensive graffiti to be removed as quickly as possible. Going too fast on your ride to slow down and take a picture? You may also call the graffiti hotline at 480-644-3083 to make a report. To download the app, search Mesa CityLink on your mobile device and download from the App Store or Google Play.

SPOKELIFE

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 3

FEATURED STORY

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TURNER

“We promote independence, get kids moving and get adults to their jobs. We are here for everyone and for every reason they need a bike.’’ Where the cash register should be, there’s a candy dispenser instead. That pretty much sums up WE-CYCLE U.S.A.’s philosophy: the nonprofit provides recycled bikes to those who need them. Since beginning in Robert Chacon’s garage in 2008, the community cycling center has given away thousands of bikes. “With these bikes, we teach recycling, bike safety, bike maintenance, ’’ Chacon says. “We promote independence, get kids moving and get adults to their jobs. We are here for everyone and for every reason they need a bike.’’ Sometimes even grandmas need a bike. “We had a grandmother come in with her grandkids to get bikes. And we got Grandma a bike, too. We told her she had to keep up. By the time we were done, she was laughing and riding,’’ Chacon said.

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FEATURED STORY | 6

To get a bike, WE-CYCLE U.S.A. requires people 16 years old or older to complete eight hours of service at the center with a volunteer mechanic. Kids who are 15 years and younger may qualify for a free bike. Chacon emphasizes that We-CYCLE U.S.A. isn’t interested in competing against local bike shops. “We don’t charge for anything.’’ WE-CYCLE U.S.A. just wants to provide affordable transportation for people to get to work and to kids who need an inexpensive way to get some fun. Chacon remembers one kid in particular who years ago was always hanging out at the center. “I figured life at home wasn’t that great for him.’’ The boy got a bike from WECYCLE U.S.A but days later confessed to Chacon that his stepdad had already sold it. Chacon found the stepfather and pointedly told him that re-selling bikes wasn’t allowed.

SPOKELIFE

Years later, a confident, young serviceman appeared at WE-CYCLE U.S.A. Turns out he was the same little boy from years past. He told Chacon he always liked how he stood up to his stepfather and remembered, “that there was someone there to watch out for him when he was young.” “So, yeah, sometimes, a lot of times,’’ Chacon said, “This can be more than a bike.’’ This article was written before March 2020. Due to Covid-19, We-CYCLE U.S.A. has moved away from the 1:1 model but still provides bikes to those that request one. For more information about WE-CYCLE U.S.A., please call 602-516-0002 or visit the website: we-cycle-usa.com WE-CYCLE-U.S.A. 1214 East Mon Vista Street, Apache Junction, Arizona, 85119 Tues-Thursday - 5-8 PM 602-516-0002 FEATURED STORY | 8

Recent trends continue to highlight a strong desire for communities to be bike-friendly, and the City of Mesa’s Transportation Department Bicycle &

Stay up-to-date by signing up for e-notifications from City of Mesa's Bicycle & Pedestrian Program at:

Pedestrian Program is continuously working on

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED

creating enhanced pedestrian pathways to provide

safe connections for residents to travel through the

@MesaBikePedProgram

city on two-wheels.

@CityofMesa @mesaazgov

SPOKELIFE

'TIS THE SEASON TO RIDE!

REINDEER HOLIDAY LIGHT RIDE DEC 11, 2021 DOWNTOWN MESA 4:00-6:00PM* *Ride

begins

FREE EVENT

5PM

Joi n u s f o r the 1st a nnual Holiday Light B i k e R i d e t h r u D o w n t o w n M e s a ! Cost u m e s are encouraged – helmets and l i g h t s a r e r e q u i r e d . Enj oy a s weet treat and hot cocoa after t h e r i d e .

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 10

SLOW

BIKING

By Jackie Dishner

On most days, Alan Hall, 59, rides his hybrid to

Generally, it’s leisurely paced, with or without

work. He lives in Mesa but owns a commercial

Spandex. It’s for people who love bikes and think

truck gear shop in Phoenix. He takes the Stadium

of cycling as a normal part of the day.

Connector Shared Use Pathway for part of his 18mile, hour-long route.

Jeff Quick, who has lived in Mesa for nearly 10 years, says he fits the profile.

Hall started commuting by bike in 1997 when he lived at Southern Ave. and Gilbert Rd. “There was

“I’ve enjoyed riding bikes since I was a kid, and I

no freeway then, so it was faster to ride my bike to

inherited my dad’s love for vintage road bikes,” he

work than sit in traffic. I just never stopped. By

says. He’ll take a touring bike down canal paths

the time I get to work, I’m warmed up and ready

but rides a hybrid in town, often to West Mesa’s

to go,” he says.

Fiesta District.

Hall also spends Thursday nights on local

“I think it’s a great place to ride because there are

mountain bike trails with a riding group. He says

some pretty decent-size bike paths,” he says. A

he and his wife Cindy, who rides an e-bike, take

medical student in Glendale, Quick doesn’t

their bikes with them on vacation. Sometimes, he

commute during the week but rides on weekends.

and his wife ride over to Riverview Shopping

His stomping grounds include places like

Center and visit the Brass Tap for beers.

Bookman’s bookstore, Downtown Mesa, and other places where you can find a variety of local shops

Although Hall may not be aware of this, he’s part

and restaurants.

of the “slow bike” movement. Started in 2008, by Mikael Colville-Andersen of Copenhagen, where

“We have great bike lanes here and even when

41 percent of trips to work or school are done by

there aren't any, it's pretty easy to find a side street

bike, The Slow Bicycle Movement (now a

that will get you where you want to go without a lot

Facebook page) is about slowing down, riding to

of traffic,” he says.

work or play, taking time to see the landscape, urban or not.

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MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 12

"We have great bike lanes here and even when there aren't any, it's pretty easy to find a side street that will get you where you want to go without a lot of traffic" Erick Geryol, the general manager at Boulders on Southern, a favorite of Quick’s, admits he’s never heard of “slow cycling” but says most of his advertising is geared toward recreational cyclists. “We’re trying to have fewer cars on the road,” he says, “get people out there experiencing the city.” His bike-friendly restaurant offers indoor bike parking, distributes free bike lights or bells, and keeps a bike pump on hand. They even host regular bike crawls. “We see more of the street cruisers and co-op cyclists here,” he says, and thinks Mesa has put a lot of effort into creating a bike-friendly place to ride… We should all get on board with [slow biking],” he says. The one downside, says Quick, “Drivers can still be pretty oblivious to bikes here, though, especially when they are leaving driveways.” For any cyclist, that’s a hazard. It’s also a good reason to ride slow.

S P O K E L I F E | 13

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 14

SPOKELIFE

THREE EASY STRETCHES TO DO AT YOUR DESK Twist Inhale and as you exhale, turn to the right and grab your chair-back with your right hand, and the chair-arm with your left. Twist yourself around as far back as possible. Switch sides, repeat.

Knee Up While seated, pull up your knee so your foot is on your chair. Bend forward and hug your knee into your chest, feeling the stretch in your back. Switch legs and repeat.

STRETCH IT OUT By Michelle Turner

First, you hunch over your bike on your commute into work. Then, you lock into position at your desk working over a keyboard. Your body needs more movement in the day if you want to continue riding and living a healthier life. By doing some quick, simple moves that don’t require you to leave the privacy of your cubicle, cyclists can care for the muscles that helped you ride into work and prepare them for longer journeys ahead.

Arms Up Sit up straight in your chair. Stretch your arms above your head and interlock your fingers. Inhale, exhale and release.

Stretching improves your range of motion which helps you bicycle more easily, says Craig Nolan, fitness and stretching instructor at Mesa Community College. Flexible hamstrings, for example, also reduce your risk for injury. “And we know that sitting can be bad for us if done for long periods of time, even if you didn’t exercise that morning,’’ Nolan says. First, make sure that your office chair is secure. Then, have fun trying out the three suggested stretches featured on the left:

MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 15

What/Where/When

BIKE SHOPS

BIKE CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

ABC Bicycle & Jetski Rentals

Gravity Riders Organization

Tempe Bicycle Action

of Arizona

Group

Advocacy, riders education and trail work. The Gravity Rider community includes downhillers,

Working to make bicycling a prominent, safe and convenient form of

freeriders, all-mountain riders, dirt jumpers and BMX riders of

transportation and recreation in the region. Also host group

all ages.

rides and events.

groaz.org

biketempe.org

San Tan Shredders

We-Cycle-USA

Group rides for mountain

Help kids and adults in need

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

to recycle and refurbish bikes. we-cycle-usa.com

FALL & WINTER EVENTS October 16, 2021

Febuary 1, 2022

Celebrate Mesa Fall 2021

Bike 101 Workshop*

Red Mountain Soccer Complex

Mesa Main Library

5-9PM

6-7:30PM

December 11, 2021

March 9, 2022

Reindeer Holiday Light Ride

Bike 101 Workshop*

Downtown Mesa 5-8PM 6PM - Bike Ride Begins

Red Mountain Library 6-7:30PM

January 25, 2022 Bike 101 Workshop* Dobson Ranch Library 6-7:30PM

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 Rd, Suite 104 480-637-0806 bikebossmesaaz.com

Bike Masters AZ 1545 S. Power Road 480-981-8901 bikemastersaz.com

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

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 *All Bike 101 Workshops require registration. To sign-up, please visit: mesalibrary.org

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