Working to Make El Tour de Tucson Better for Our Community
El Tour de Tucson is one of Southern Arizona’s signature events, touching communities across Pima County, including Tucson, Corona de Tucson, Vail, Sahuarita, and Green Valley. We understand its economic power. It brings in millions through hotels, restaurants, shops, and more. We fully support the event and the positive impacts it brings while making sure that residents in southeast Tucson and Vail do not face unnecessary burdens on the day of the ride.
Knowing how much this event impacts our community, I sent a letter to the El Tour Board in August to begin these conversations early. Our goal has been to be proactive, to address concerns in advance, and to get ahead of challenges that have come up year after year rather than waiting until November.
The reality is that many people are landlocked by the route and have an extremely difficult time getting around on that Saturday. As more medical infrastructure has come online, including additional hospitals and clinics, there are increased concerns around public safety. We need to make sure that people can reach emergency services and that first responders can reach those who need them.
Here are some of the short-term steps we are working on with the El Tour Board:
• More public outreach to explain this year’s route and closures, with maps and timing.
• Additional training with law enforcement to make sure emergency vehicles and community members can quickly get through road closures and safely reach emergency centers like TMC and Northwest Hospital.
• Ensuring barricades are handled so closures happen exactly when advertised and open when promised.
• Direct channels for questions or concerns before and during the event.
Looking ahead to future years, we are working with El Tour to include someone from our corner of the community on the route committee and to evaluate alternate routes that could reduce the impact on residents and businesses in our area. We are also engaging Pima County and other partners to strengthen coordination and better support the neighborhoods most affected.
We want to support an event that brings visitors from across the world, boosts our local economy, and highlights Tucson as a cycling destination, while at the same time protecting access, safety, and daily life for our community. In our November Vail Voice article, we will share everything you need to know about this year’s ride, including routes, closures, and resources, well ahead of the day of the event.
It is my hope that this year will be smoother for our community, with fewer hiccups and less disruption as we continue working on longer-term improvements. Please know that I am very aware of the challenges, that I am trying to be proactive, and that I am hopeful the steps being taken now will have a positive impact next month.
As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at the Ward 4 Council Office at ward4@tucsonaz.gov and/or 520-791-3199.
– Nikki
City of Tucson Ward 4 Councilwoman
Nikki Lee
520-791-3199
Ward4@tucsonaz.gov
www.tucsonaz.gov/ward4
Facebook: /CouncilwomanLee
Instagram: @nikkilee_az
Twitter: @CouncilwomanLee
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