Mesa, AZ Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Positioning rule
- Ride near right-hand side
- Group riding cap
- Two abreast (unless exclusive bike path)
- Under-18 helmet rule
- Required on ROW/bicycle paths
- Civil fine cap
- $300
- Added by
- Ord. No. 5995, § 1 (1-12-26)
Summary
Cyclists and SATV riders in Mesa must stay near the right-hand side of the right-of-way or bicycle path, using due care when passing, and may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or lanes reserved exclusively for bicycles.
Every person driving, riding, or operating a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric standup scooter, electric miniature scooter, motorized skateboard, or SATV upon a right of way or bicycle path shall ride as near to the right-hand side of the right of way or bicycle path as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Persons driving, riding, or operating a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric standup scooter, electric miniature scooter, motorized skateboard, or SATV upon a right of way or bicycle path shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of the right of way set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22).
Full Breakdown
Mesa City Code § 10-1-8, within Title 10, Chapter 1, governs how bicycles, electric bicycles, electric standup scooters, electric miniature scooters, motorized skateboards, and SATVs may travel on the City's rights-of-way and bicycle paths. Subsection (A) requires riders to keep as near to the right-hand side of the right-of-way or bicycle path as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Subsection (B) caps group riding at two abreast, except on paths or portions of the right-of-way set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, where riders may spread out further.
Subsection (C), added by Ordinance No. 5995 in January 2026, layers on a mandatory helmet rule: anyone under 18 riding a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric standup scooter, electric miniature scooter, or SATV on a right-of-way or bicycle path must wear a protective helmet, properly secured, at all times. These riding rules work alongside § 10-1-6 and § 10-1-7, which subject cyclists and SATV riders to the same rights and duties as vehicle drivers under state traffic law and require obedience to traffic-control signals, and § 10-1-10, which requires yielding to pedestrians and vehicles when emerging from an alley or driveway onto a sidewalk or roadway.
Violations & Fines
Riding more than two abreast outside an exclusive bicycle path, or failing to ride near the right-hand side without due care, is a civil traffic offense under § 10-1-23, punishable by a fine of up to $300. If the conduct also amounts to reckless riding under § 10-1-21, showing reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property, it becomes a Class Two Misdemeanor instead. A parent or guardian who knowingly permits a minor's violation is jointly liable for any fine imposed under § 10-1-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cyclists ride side by side on Mesa streets?
Where exactly must a cyclist position themselves on the road?
Do minors have to wear a helmet while biking on Mesa streets?
What's the penalty for violating these riding rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesa
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