Available in a variety of styles and materials, safety bollards can be both functional and decorative landscape elements that create a boundary around an outdoor space, whilst also keeping pedestrians safe.
There are both heavy-duty and lighter bollards, with their impact resistance dependent on the application. For instance, bollards used as architectural fixtures need not be high-impact resistant, since they merely act as visual cues. These can be set up in manicured landscapes or around historical landmarks to deter entry into the space. On the other hand, bollards specifically for sidewalk safety and traffic control need to be high-impact resistant, since they are physical barriers between pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
The installation and spacing rules for safety bollards differ depending on the purpose of the bollards as well as the site where they will be used. Here are some things to remember for the effective spacing of safety bollards.
Bollard spacing for sidewalk safety
If cars are likely to park alongside the kerb, the safety bollards are to be placed 45 to 46 centimetres from the back of the kerb. The distance between safety bollards should be 90 to 150 centimetres. This distance effectively accommodates pedestrian traffic and wheelchair access while deterring vehicular entry.
Bollard spacing for school ground security
Since schools typically experience heavy pedestrian traffic, the space between bollards should be wide enough for people to pass through with at least 90 centimetres between each post. Bollards are generally placed in school pick-up zones and around main entrances. Tighter spacing between bollards increases protection against vehicular threats, and the presence of more bollards creates more surface area to absorb the kinetic force from potential vehicular impact.
For storefront protection
When planning the spacing for storefronts and commercial buildings, accessibility is an integral part of the planning process. It is important to consider the mobility needs of all pedestrians including those using wheelchairs and motorised chairs. There should be at least 90 centimetres between each bollard to allow access, but the distance should not exceed 150 centimetres, otherwise the bollards’ capacity to prevent vehicular access could be impaired.
Need to include safety bollards in your next landscape project?
As leading concrete suppliers, SVC ensures premium quality in all our precast concrete offerings. We can provide custom concrete solutions according to your unique requirements. Take a look at some previous projects of ours that feature pedestrian safety bollards.
View our standard bollard range >
For enquiries and more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling 1300 287 782. We’d be happy to discuss how we can help you out.
