City of Mesa Launches MesaMoves Look Twice Challenge

City of Mesa Launches MesaMoves Look Twice Challenge

The City of Mesa's Transportation Department is launching the MesaMoves Look Twice Save a Life Challenge, a community-driven initiative promoting safer driving, biking and walking behaviors. Between 2017 and 2022, 1,359 people were seriously injured or killed on Mesa roadways - an average of four people each week. The challenge encourages residents to stay alert and look out for one another on the road.

"This effort is about saving lives," said Mesa Mayor Freeman. "To reach our goal, infrastructure improvements and strong law enforcement are essential, but true success depends on the active participation of our entire community."

The Look Twice Challenge is inspired by Alexander Cole Fernandez, a Mesa resident who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash in June 2024 at just 20 years old. His father, George Fernandez, with the Alexander Cole Fernandez Foundation, reached out to the City of Mesa to collaborate on raising community awareness.

"The biggest takeaway, please be mindful and be responsible for yourself when you're on the road. You have to drive with intention. Be safe with intention. You have to because someday that could be your loved one. That could be your family member," said George Fernandez in an interview with the City of Mesa, encouraging residents to practice roadway safety. Mesa will releasea videoabout Alexander's story tomorrow on the City's social media channels.

The Look Twice Challenge emphasizes the importance of being aware on the road and looking twice before making any movements on the roadway. To encourage our community to adopt safer roadway habits, the Look Twice Challenge offers Mesa residents the opportunity to win prizes, including bicycles, museum memberships, gift cards and safety gear. Participants can sign up atmesaaz.gov/mesamovesand earn points by:

• Taking an online safety pledge.
• Joining a social media challenge using #looktwicemesa or #mesamoves.
• Participating in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt in December.
• Signing up for the road safety newsletter.

The Look Twice Challenge is part of the Mesa Safer Streets Initiative and aligns with the City's broader Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP), which aims to create a culture of roadway safety throughout the community and reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 30% by 2030.

The Look Twice Challenge will run from Oct. 9 through Dec. 6. Winners will be announced following the Reindeer Roll and Stroll event in December.

For media inquiries or further information,please contact Cassie Robles at480-644-6553 or[email protected].