Thursday, February 19

Using GIS to Manage the Redlands Bicycle Classic


This is Marilyn Dreuker's MSGIS Major Individual Project from 2003.

For 19 years, the City of Redlands has been hosting the Redlands Bicycle
Classic which is considered one of the most fun races in the U. S. by some
cyclists. This national event has endured longer than any other cycling event in
the U. S. For 6 days, this professional cyclistsí race takes place not only in
Redlands, but also in the cities of Riverside, Highland, and Yucaipa. The race in
April 2003 had almost 250 riders covering a total distance of approximately 348
miles for the menís races and 280 miles for the womenís races. There were nearly
1000 volunteers and an estimate of 50,000 spectators. (Oberjuerge 2003).
There is no question that credit for the raceís success has to be given to the
race committee, made up of the Redlandsí community and the police department.
Their well-organized efforts to run things smoothly makes the race enjoyable for
everyone. But to plan such a big event as the Bicycle Classic, especially
managing the number of people involved and the associated problems, takes a
great deal of time and effort. Everyone would benefit if there is a more efficient,
easier way to manage security, spectators, traffic, and road closures when planning
for this type of event.
This project addresses a better way to solve this planning problem by using
GIS to integrate the data, visually display the information on maps and perform
visual and spatial analysis of the integrated data sets. Using GIS, the police
department can improve the effectiveness of the planning by displaying the
integrated data on a map to see where problems have occurred or are likely to
occur. Visual or spatial analysis can help with planning the logistics of the event,
planning for security and medical emergencies, easing traffic problems, and
maintaining order.
This report communicates how GIS can be used as a tool to help with the
planning and implementation tasks. It begins by looking at other GIS applications
that relate to this activity. It then provides a concise look at the goals, scope and
objectives of this project and specifies the design, development and analysis that
were taken to address the issues. The report contains the products that will be
delivered to the client ñ the Redlands Police Department. Finally, conclusions and
recommendations for further study are provided.

Entire pdf located here (94 pgs)


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