SE Valley Times

The City of Mesa's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is set to host a series of events for Valley Bike Month, aiming to promote biking as a transportation alternative. These events cater to the broader community and are designed for individuals of all ages.

One notable event is the Arizona Bicycling Summit, scheduled for April 4. It is organized by The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists and sponsored by Mesa's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. The summit will occur at the ASU MIX Center from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This annual conference aims to bring together leaders, educators, advocates, cyclists, and the bicycle community to discuss bicycling issues in Arizona. The event focuses on promoting sustainable transportation, recreation, and cycling-friendly communities. Registration is required for those planning to attend.

Another key event is the CycloMesa Festival on April 5, held at the Plaza at Mesa City Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event invites community members to explore alternative transportation methods, like biking. Attendees can expect live music, food trucks, BMX stunt performances, a rock climbing wall, and more.

On April 16, the Bike-to-Work Day aims to encourage using alternative transport for commuting. The day starts with a group ride from Lehi Park at 7 a.m. ending at the Plaza at Mesa City Center for breakfast and a social hour. Participants are reminded to bring bicycles and helmets for the group ride.

These initiatives are part of the broader efforts by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program under the City of Mesa's Transportation Department. The program advocates for safety in walking, biking, and other driving alternatives. It hosts safety classes and events throughout the year, working towards creating safer travel pathways in Mesa.

For more information on the program's activities, their website at www.mesaaz.gov/bikeped offers additional details.