SE Valley Times

The City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program has announced the winners of this year's Move Safe Public Service Announcement Contest. The competition invited students aged 12-18 from Mesa to create a 30-second public service announcement illustrating how to walk, bike or roll safely in the community, using one of five safety tips.

The Grand Prize was awarded to a PSA video titled “Cool Biking Tips,” submitted by local student Alex Barker. The runner-up videos were “Crosswalking 101” by Sean Mitchell and “Daily's Bicycling Tips” by William Reynolds, William Good, Benjamin Reynolds, and Adam Florez. Judges from ASU, Cox Communications, Phoenix Film Festival, and the City of Mesa reviewed over 11 entries from students representing four different schools before selecting the winner. Videos were evaluated based on film choice, message clarity, creativity, and originality.

Mesa Transportation Director RJ Zeder expressed satisfaction with the contest's results. "We’re pleased by the continued response of our youth to the Move Safe Public Service Announcement Contest," he said. "The student engagement underscores the importance of fostering a culture of road safety awareness for all ages in the community."

The winning PSA will be shown in select Harkins theaters until May 26 and on select Cox Communications channels as well as on the City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Facebook page in upcoming months. In addition to this exposure, Alex Barker will receive a private tour of ASU MIX Center with feedback from a professor, prize packages from Phoenix Film Festival and Harkins Theatres, and a bicycle from the City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. The two runners-up will each receive a prize package from Harkins Theatres, free submission to the 2025 Arizona Student Film Festival, and a safety gift bag from the City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program.

The Move Safe PSA Contest is held in conjunction with Valley Bike Month in April and National Bike Month in May.