Tyler Bicycle Club and Bullard Police Department to Support Bicycle Safety at the Diva Du

TYLER, Texas, April 6, 2016—In an effort to promote bicycle safety and awareness, the Tyler Bicycle Club (TBC) is sponsoring the upcoming Diva Du to fund event support by the Bullard Police Department. The Diva Du, on Saturday, April 30th, is a women-only duathlon produced by iTRI365 and presented by HealthFirst. Bullard Police Department will provide police support in high traffic areas of the duathlon course.

Located at Kiepersol Estate Vineyards on the border of Tyler and Bullard, the Diva Du is a 1.5 mile run, 10 mile bike ride, and 1.5 mile run that will take athletes through a beautiful course around the vineyard and surrounding neighborhood.

Diva Du Race Director and iTRI365 owner Cori Moore says, “I’m excited about introducing more women to this sport and have been blessed to have the support of the Tyler Bicycle Club. It’s my hope to continue to bring awareness to our local communities about the sport of cycling and how many of us ride in this area.”

The Tyler Bicycle Club brings cyclists together to improve the cycling experience for Tyler and Tyler-area citizens. According to Chelsea Marquez, TBC Advocacy Chair, “TBC hopes to work in many events like the Diva Du to promote safe cycling.”  She adds, “We also are passionate about supporting the area police department because they are keeping the cyclists safe. We hope to learn from their experiences working with cyclists, as well as to promote the enforcement of safe cycling on Bullard roads.”

Captain Jeff Bragg of the Bullard Police Department feels that a police presence at the Diva Du makes the event safer for cyclists and brings awareness to motorists. “The Bullard Police Department wants the event to be a safe and enjoyable event that brings people into our community,” says Bragg.

Bragg and Marquez stress that both motorists and cyclists have a responsibility for safe cycling. “Motorists need to be attentive and patient,” says Bragg.

Marquez recommends motorists always keep their eyes on the road and allow a minimum of 3 feet to pass a cyclist. Marquez also reminds cyclists communicate with motorists using hand signals, wear bright clothes and helmets, and never wear ear buds in order to remain aware of their surroundings. Bragg reminds cyclists to follow all traffic laws.

The Diva Du is produced by iTRI365, a Tyler-based endurance coaching and event production company, and is presented by HealthFirst, a third party insurance administrator also based in Tyler that specializes in self-funded insurance plans for employer groups of all sizes.

Online registration for the Diva Du is currently open at www.iTRI365.com. To learn more about the Tyler Bicycle Club, please visit www.tylerbicycleclub.com.