How to Ensure Proper Spacing for Crash-Rated Bollards in Various Applications

Bollards have several applications for perimeter security to traffic control. These functional and decorative posts protect your assets. At the same time, you may also install them for adding aesthetic accents to your community. Depending on the reason for installation, you can choose low-impact or crash rated bollards. 

Since every type of bollard is different, you have to follow the right procedures for site planning and spacing as well. The spacing is an essential factor because it creates the correct type of barrier, perimeter, and visual awareness on the site. 

Here is a guide to ensure proper spacing in bollard installation at your establishment.

Bollard Spacing for Storefronts

When you have to prevent your valuable storefront from any impact, installing concrete or steel bollards is an excellent business decision. They offer decorative accents that blend with the architectural design of your building and create a physical barrier to keep it safe. 

While planning the site of installation, you need to examine the factors like building orientation and traffic congestion for proper spacing. If your store attracts frequent pedestrian traffic, you need to ensure suitable spacing between each post for pedestrians as well as people in motorized chairs or wheelchairs. That means 3-5 feet of space between bollard posts.

Bollard Spacing for Sidewalks

Many cities use bollards for urban planning and traffic calming to promote safe driving. When placed on the sidewalks, bollards work as visual cues to the drivers and physical barriers for pedestrians. You may also use them at crosswalks or curb extensions to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and to allow better visibility of vehicular traffic. 

The perfect spacing recommended for these sites is 1.5 feet away from the back of the curbside if you have vehicles parked on it. In areas without any vehicle parking, you may place bollards adjacent to the curb with a spacing of 3-5 feet between posts to allow pedestrian and wheelchair access.

Bollard Spacing for Schools and Campuses

The pedestrian-only areas within campuses and school grounds need proper protection from vehicular traffic and other threats. Hence, you may install crash-rated bollards in areas like parent pickup site, school entrance, and school bus site to increase campus security. It prohibits unauthorized entries while accommodating students and faculty only. 

In areas with pedestrian traffic near schools and campuses, 3-5 feet of spacing is appropriate. However, passages and fire lanes need to follow the local regulations for providing access to emergency vehicles. 

Bollard Spacing for Bike Lanes

With the help of marked bike lanes, it becomes easier to protect the cyclists using the safe method of transportation in the cities. Bike lanes prevent motorists from entering the protected lanes or using them for parking. Flexible bollards with tall profiles are a good fit for these areas. 

Install them at a distance of 50 feet on the straight sections of roads and 5 feet apart on roads with curves or intersections. So, even if a driver swerves accidentally to the bike lane, bollards will protect the bikers from any impact.

Since bollards are a practical security mechanism for urban spaces, use proper site planning and spacing to make the most of them.