BACKGROUND:
The annual Tour de Palm Springs charity cycling event returns Feb. 9-10, 2024, and invites bicyclists from across the country to ride in 25, 56, and/or 100-mile courses starting in Palm Springs, traveling throughout the Coachella Valley, and returning to Palm Springs.
DISCUSSION:
Tour de Palm Springs is seeking to utilize City streets and services for this annual bike tour. It is a Tour, not a race.
Event routes were adjusted this year to allow the tour to go to Cathedral City High School on Feb. 10, 2024. The only distance that will go that way is the 56-mile route. While the Tour de Palm Springs understands there will be costs involved with Police and Public Works, organizers do not believe they will need as much assistance as in prior years due to the route changes.
The Police Department estimates its cost at $6168 for 5 officers and 1 sergeant for 8 hours in overtime pay. Public Works estimates its cost to be $ $3,376 for 4 workers at 8 hours at overtime pay, equipment and supplies. Total cost to the City is estimated at approximately $9,544. The tour must submit payment.
The Tour has requested the City sponsor the permit fee. The Cathedral City logo would be listed on the event website as a sponsor with a direct link to your website. We have waived the application fee in previous years, but not the fees of the police department and public works. None of the larger celebratory activities take place in Cathedral City and the residual benefits of the tour do not exceed the costs associated with its use of our streets and City services. Staff is unaware of any other jurisdiction besides the City of Palm Springs that waives departmental fees.
Protecting bicyclists from injury is a large task placed upon our City departments. The City has already invested and will continue to invest in planning, preparing, and working this event prior to the actual event date. Although the Tour has had a great record of safety, recent accidents have led City staff to once again recommend that Tour de Palm Springs have $3 million in insurance liability coverage and list the City as an additional insured. This has already been provided.
FISCAL IMPACT:
In addition to actions recommended by Council on the Special Use Permit application fee, it will cost approximately $9,544 to provide City services for the Tour. The applicant must submit payment to the City prior to the event.