Mesa police crack down on jaywalkers, bicyclists breaking traffic rules

MESA, AZ - Mesa police are cracking down on pedestrians and bicyclists who are breaking traffic rules.

A patrol car was seen at a light rail station, near Main Street and Sycamore Street, stopping several people early Friday morning. The patrol car was positioned in a nearby parking lot for at least two hours.

We spotted 14 people violating traffic rules early Friday. 

Many pedestrians were crossing in the designated crosswalk but against a red light. 

An ABC15 crew saw two bicyclists cross the intersection diagonally. One jogger looked both ways and proceeded to run across the street against a red light. He was stopped by an officer but got away with a warning.

At least 14 people were pulled over by 7 a.m. It's not clear if they received tickets. A patrol officer said he was giving out warnings.

According to The Arizona Republic, Mesa had five pedestrian deaths in 2011. Police are cracking down in an effort to keep both drivers and pedestrians safe.

The city is also looking into options of adding additional mid-block traffic signals.

Joanne Campfield, a bus rider at the Main/Sycamore station, said she's glad police are being proactive. 

"He's been here since Monday," she said. "I don't want to get hit or get a ticket."