Safety measures for Tour de Palm Springs

Thousands of cyclists will take part in the Tour de Palm Springs charity event happening this weekend.

Up to 6,000 riders are expected to participate. The routes range from seven miles to more than 100, reaching almost every valley city. 

Founder Tim Esser oversees the safety measures put in place. Most intersections will stay open but will temporarily close as riders pass through.

"Safety is our number one concern. We just don't want people to get hurt," said Esser. "We just ask that all the people out there in cars this weekend please be careful of our cyclists. And our cyclists, we asked you to please be respectful of the cars as well. We know cyclists cannot compete with cars."

CLICK HERE to see routes that will close streets and intersections across the valley.

There will be support cars along the routes making sure cyclists are ok. Also, police departments across the valley and California Highway Patrol will be out guiding traffic and cyclists.

"Take a look at where the closures are and where the course actually is and plan ahead," said CHP officer David Torres.

CHP will have more than a dozen officers doing traffic control. It will also close Dillion Road at Thousand Palms Canyon and Berdoo Canyon Road. However, residents and business owners will be allowed to pass through carefully. 

"They'll be directed to turn on their hazards and drive slowly throughout the entire course and to watch out for the cyclist," said Torres.

In 2018, a man from Washington riding in the Tour de Palm Springs was killed after being hit by a driver police said was going 100 miles an hour on Dillon Road.

Esser said with the safety measures in place, he is looking forward to a successful Tour de Palm Springs in the valley.