(Photo courtesy of Mesa)

Mesa launched a bike share program, which it hopes will help further connect the community to other public transportation.

The City of Mesa launched its bike share program Thursday. There are 100 bright green bikes from Grid Bike Share at 12 different stations throughout the downtown area. Mesa Mayor John Giles said the bikes will help connect his community.

"Some of us were skeptical 20 years ago when we first started talking about a fixed rail transportation system because we’re in a western urban sprawl environment," said Giles. "Having bikes, really opens up the park and rides and the light rail stations that are several blocks or even a few miles from the actual light rail stations."

Mesa joins Phoenix in offering the bikes. The City of Tempe is looking to launch its bike share program later this year.