Pedestrian safety bollards come in a range of styles and materials. Designed to create a physical boundary around an outdoor space as a visual cue as well as to keep pedestrians safe, safety bollards can be both functional and decorative by application.
Safety bollards are supplied in heavy duty and lightweight versions with their impact resistance dependent on the application. For instance, bollards used as architectural fixtures need not be high-impact resistant as they only serve to restrict entry into any space. They can usually be seen as landscape elements on manicured lawns or around historical landmarks. On the other hand, bollards made specifically for sidewalk safety and traffic control need to be high-impact resistant, since they are physical barriers separating pedestrians from vehicular traffic.
Depending on the purpose of the bollards as well as the site where they will be used, the rules for installation and spacing vary. Here are some things to remember for effective spacing of safety bollards.
Bollard spacing for sidewalk safety
If cars are likely to be parked alongside the kerb, the safety bollards will need to be placed 45-46 centimetres from the back of the kerb. The separation between bollards should be 90-150 centimetres – a distance that effectively accommodates pedestrian traffic and wheelchair access while deterring vehicular entry.
Bollard spacing for school ground security
School campuses typically experience heavy pedestrian traffic; therefore, the spacing between bollards should be wide enough for people to pass through with at least 90 centimetres between two adjacent posts. Bollards are generally placed in school pick-up zones and around main entrances where vehicles fight for space with pedestrian movement. Tighter spacing between bollards increases protection for pedestrians against vehicular threats. Additionally, bollards in greater numbers will create more surface area to absorb the kinetic force from potential vehicular impact.
Bollard spacing for storefront protection
When deciding bollard spacing for storefronts and commercial buildings, accessibility is an important consideration during the planning process. The spacing will need to factor in the mobility needs of all pedestrians including those using wheelchairs and motorised chairs. There should be at least 90 centimetres between two adjacent bollards to allow access, but the distance should not exceed 150 centimetres as it could fail to prevent vehicular access.
Using safety bollards in your next landscape project?
SVC Products ensures premium quality across their precast concrete offerings including custom concrete bollards to suit unique requirements.
Take a look at some of SVC’s previous projects featuring pedestrian safety bollards.
