(Photo courtesy of City of Mesa)

Bike Officer Kreuzer with teen.

A Mesa Transportation Department pilot program is providing bike lights and education to Mesa riders through events and police stops.

Mesa Detective Nick Rasheta said that the Bike & Pedestrian Program gives bike-riding patrol officers a welcome tool beyond issuing citations.

“They were happy to have that option when they contact individuals, for positive community policing," Rasheta said. "There are scenarios where it’s nice to have the option of education.”

Rasheta added that the Fiesta and Central Divisions had given out 70 lights so far.

Mesa City Code requires that night bicyclists equip a front lamp that emits white light visible from at least 500 feet.