In 2021, 42,915 people were needlessly killed on American roads and thousands more were injured. This is the most since 2005 and a 10.5% increase from 2020. At Varlo, the numbers are not mere statistics – they reflect the tragic loss of friends, teammates, mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. 

On October 16, 2021, the Varlo family was devastated by the loss of Courtney Waltimyer, who was killed by a hit and run driver while riding in a bike lane. Courtney was loved throughout the triathlon community for her positivity and enthusiasm for the sport. She was a valued member of the Varlo leadership board and the founding Captain of Team Varlo. Courtney died doing what she loved, and her contributions to our company remain cherished to this day.

Less than a year later, on July 2, 2022, another Team Varlo member was struck by a hit and run driver while training on her bike. Jenna McEntee, a mother of two, was severely injured and continues to face a challenging recovery.  Most recently, on October 29, 2022, Team Varlo member Mark Evans was shockingly struck by an intoxicated driver while racing at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in St. George, UT.  Mark, a father of two, was severely injured in the accident along with another competitor.  

The tragedies that befell our friends and teammates are preventable losses that have emboldened Varlo to take stronger actions to prioritize safety for all road users.

Help change the narrative by pledging to donate $500 or more directly to It Could Be Me, and be featured on the Safer Roads Together jersey.  Pre-orders of the jersey and other apparel items will begin on November 20, 2022, the World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims.  Items will ship in early 2023.  Varlo will also donate a percentage of sale proceeds to It Could Be Me.