Right now, Mesa boasts nearly 15 miles of maintained, separated pathways that provide a safe alternative for families looking to practice biking (or riding scooters, skating, or even stroller running) and it feels like they’re still a little bit of a best kept secret.
When we’re bored of traditional park play, these off-road, protected pathways are a fun change of pace while still getting fresh air and movement with our kids.
These protected bike pathways are 100 percent away from any road traffic, making them ideal for kids still learning wheely sports.
Read on for our go-to pathways across Mesa, and a few hacks for the first time you pack up for the pathways.
XO,
East Valley Moms
Our Favorite Path in Mesa
One of our favorites is the Rio Salado Pathway, it starts at the Mesa Riverview Park where riders enter through a tunnel painted with a stunning mural painted by a local Mesa-born artist.
Once you pedal through the tunnel, you can bike east into Mesa or west into Tempe (Mesa coordinated with the City of Tempe to connect the cities together through this pathway).
Pathway playdate: Ride up the pathway about a mile to Tempe Marketplace for ice cream or frozen yogurt before heading back down the pathway.
Pathways Paired with Parks
If you’re making the pathways a driving destination for your family, we suggest either the Porter Pathway or the Rio Salado Pathway.
These pathways give kids a double-header outing by hitting up the playgrounds that are at both pathways as well.
Porter Park boasts a wood chip play area (no sand!), shaded ramadas and all the usual park play amenities.
Similarly, the Rio Salado Pathway is across the street from Riverview Park (and splash pad), giving access to the 50-foot climbing tower, two playgrounds and more. (Plus there’s bathrooms here!)
Pathway playdate: We like to pack a picnic, leave it in the car while we ride the pathways and then picnic in the ramadas and play at the park to round out the outing.
Stroller Running on the Pathways
If you’ve got a baby still in a stroller, the pathways are a wonderful option for stroller runs. They’re paved, flat and provide an active outing to get out of the house.
Plan stroller runs around nap time/feeding times. If your baby is small you’ll want to make sure they are fed and happy to hit the road in the stroller (or ready to nap on the ride).
With tots still in strollers pack a snack, water and a toy or a book to keep them entertained on the run.
The City of Mesa also has two additional pathways under construction to make their network of off-road biking options more convenient for all Mesa families.
If you’ve got a tot on training wheels or a confident big kid wanting to log miles biking, these protected bike pathways are an incredible resource for local families to enjoy this fall weather and take advantage of another amenity from the City. 
4 mom hacks for when you go
- The City has created drone fly-over videos for the full pathways to help parents plan their routes before packing everybody up in the car.
- All pathways are ADA compliant, making these accessible for siblings (or grandparents) with wheels
- It’s a good idea for parents to avoid having headphones on (or with just one in) – you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings and keep an ear out for your kids.
As always, when you’re taking your kids out on two-wheels, remember that a properly fitted helmet is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your kiddos safe while riding. The City of Mesa also offers free helmets to Mesa residents who need them. Learn more at mesaaz.gov/bikeped
