Introduction
Parking structures are among the most high-risk environments for pedestrians, with vehicles constantly moving in and out, creating potential hazards. Bornes—short, sturdy posts designed to control vehicle movement—play a crucial role in protecting pedestrians in these areas.
Why Pedestrian Safety in Parking Structures is a Major Concern
- Blind spots and limited visibility – Drivers may struggle to see pedestrians, especially in dimly lit or crowded areas.
- Reckless driving – Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield can lead to dangerous encounters.
- Uncontrolled pedestrian flow – Without designated walkways, people may walk unpredictably, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Structural risks – Vehicles can accidentally crash into infrastructure, damaging pillars, walls, or pedestrian zones.
How Bornes Improve Parking Lot Safety?
Bornes serve as physical barriers that separate pedestrian areas from vehicle lanes. They provide:
- Clear demarcation – Helps guide foot traffic safely through designated walkways.
- Impact protection – Absorbs vehicle collisions, preventing damage and injury.
- Traffic control – Directs vehicles into proper entry and exit lanes.
- Enhanced security – Reduces unauthorized vehicle access in restricted zones.
By implementing bollards strategically, parking structures can significantly reduce pedestrian-related accidents while maintaining a smooth traffic flow. The following sections will explore the different risks pedestrians face, the types of bollards available, and best practices for their placement.
The Risks of Parking Structures & Why Bollards Are Needed
Parking structures present unique safety challenges due to the high volume of both vehicles and pedestrians navigating within confined spaces. Without proper safety measures, accidents and injuries become more likely.
Common Pedestrian Hazards in Parking Structures
- Blind spots and limited sightlines – Drivers exiting parking spaces may not see pedestrians in time.
- Speeding and reckless driving – Some drivers fail to slow down in parking facilities, increasing accident risks.
- Distracted pedestrians – People using smartphones or carrying heavy bags may not be fully aware of their surroundings.
- Unclear pedestrian pathways – Without marked walkways, pedestrians often walk in vehicle lanes.
- Sudden vehicle movements – Cars reversing or making sharp turns can strike unsuspecting pedestrians.
How Bornes Reduce These Risks?
Installing bollards at strategic locations within parking structures provides an added layer of protection by:
- Creating pedestrian-safe zones – Bornes physically separate foot traffic from vehicle movement.
- Defining traffic flow – Properly placed bollards guide drivers and prevent confusion.
- Preventing vehicle intrusion – Crash-rated bollards can stop high-speed vehicles from entering pedestrian areas.
- Enhancing visibility – Reflective or illuminated bollards make pedestrian pathways more noticeable to drivers.
The Rising Need for Parking Safety Measures
With the increasing number of vehicles on the road and growing urbanization, parking structures are becoming more congested. Implementing bollards is an effective way to enhance safety, reduce liability for property owners, and ensure a safer experience for pedestrians.
Key Functions of Bollards in Parking Structures
Bornes play a crucial role in enhancing safety and organization in parking structures. By acting as both physical and visual barriers, they help prevent accidents, guide traffic, and protect pedestrians from vehicle-related hazards.
Protecting Pedestrian Walkways
One of the most important functions of bollards is to create safe pedestrian pathways by:
- Separating foot traffic from vehicle lanes – Reduces the risk of pedestrian-vehicle collisions.
- Marking designated crosswalks – Ensures pedestrians use safe, visible crossings instead of walking unpredictably.
- Enhancing visibility – High-visibility or illuminated bollards make walkways noticeable in dimly lit parking areas.
Enhancing Parking Lot Entrances & Exits
Bornes help regulate vehicle entry and exit points by:
- Preventing wrong-way driving – Ensures vehicles enter and exit through designated routes.
- Controlling vehicle speed – Strategically placed bollards encourage slower driving near pedestrian areas.
- Improving security – Restricts unauthorized vehicle access to restricted zones or employee-only areas.
Preventing Vehicle Collisions in High-Traffic Areas
Certain locations in parking structures are more prone to accidents due to frequent vehicle and pedestrian movement. Bornes provide impact protection in these areas, including:
- Near payment kiosks and ticket machines – Protects pedestrians waiting in line from vehicle intrusions.
- Along pedestrian crossings – Reinforces designated pathways and improves driver awareness.
- At tight turns and blind spots – Guides drivers safely through corners and reduces the chance of hitting walls or infrastructure.
Improving Safety at Drop-Off & Pick-Up Zones
High-traffic areas such as ride-sharing pick-up points, bus stops, and loading zones require additional safety measures. Bornes enhance safety by:
- Defining passenger waiting areas – Prevents vehicles from encroaching on pedestrian spaces.
- Managing vehicle flow – Ensures that drop-offs and pick-ups occur in an orderly manner.
- Providing impact protection – Protects both pedestrians and infrastructure from accidental collisions.
By implementing bollards in these key areas, parking structures can significantly improve pedestrian safety, traffic organization, and overall user experience.
Types of Bollards for Parking Structures & Their Applications
Selecting the right type of bollard is essential for ensuring maximum pedestrian safety and traffic control in parking structures. Different bollards serve different purposes, from permanent security barriers to temporary traffic guides.
Fixed Bollards: Permanent Protection for Pedestrians
Fixed bollards are ideal for high-risk areas where constant pedestrian protection is required. These bollards are:
- Embedded deep into the ground for maximum stability.
- Commonly made of steel or concrete, ensuring they can withstand vehicle impacts.
- Best suited for:
- Walkway separation – Prevents cars from entering pedestrian zones.
- Parking lot perimeters – Protects pedestrians from runaway vehicles.
- Building entrances and storefronts – Stops accidental or deliberate vehicle crashes.
Retractable Bollards: Flexible Access Control
Bornes rétractables provide controlled access to certain areas by being raised or lowered as needed. They are:
- Manually or automatically operated using hydraulic or electric mechanisms.
- Highly durable and able to stop unauthorized vehicles when locked in place.
- Best suited for:
- Loading zones – Allows vehicles temporary access for deliveries.
- Emergency vehicle access points – Restricts entry to general traffic while allowing emergency vehicles through.
- Private or VIP parking areas – Controls access to reserved sections.
Flexible Bollards: Traffic Guidance & Low-Impact Protection
Flexible bollards are designed to bend upon impact rather than stop a vehicle completely. These bollards are:
- Made from durable plastics or polyurethane to minimize damage to cars.
- Ideal for areas where occasional vehicle contact is expected.
- Best suited for:
- Guiding traffic flow – Directs vehicles through tight turns and narrow lanes.
- Temporary pedestrian walkways – Separates foot traffic from active driving lanes.
- Marking parking spots – Helps drivers position their vehicles correctly.
Crash-Rated Bollards: Maximum Security for High-Risk Areas
Crash-rated bollards provide the highest level of impact resistance and are tested to stop high-speed vehicle collisions. These bollards are:
- Engineered to absorb extreme force, preventing vehicles from breaching protected zones.
- Typically installed in areas with heightened security risks.
- Best suited for:
- Pedestrian-heavy entrances – Protects people walking near parking garage doors.
- Government buildings and high-security zones – Prevents vehicle-based attacks.
- Parking garage ticket booths and cashier stations – Shields employees and infrastructure from collisions.
By strategically implementing the right type of bollards in a parking structure, property owners can achieve a balance between pedestrian safety, traffic efficiency, and structural protection.
Industry Regulations & Best Practices for Bollard Placement
Proper placement of bollards in parking structures is essential for ensuring maximum pedestrian protection and traffic control. Following industry regulations and best practices helps property owners comply with safety standards while optimizing the effectiveness of bollards.
Key Safety Regulations for Bollard Installation
Several safety organizations have established guidelines for bollard placement and design to enhance pedestrian security.
- ASTM F3016 Standards – Defines impact resistance levels for bollards to stop vehicles at varying speeds.
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliance – Requires proper spacing and visibility to ensure bollards do not obstruct wheelchair access.
- International Building Code (IBC) Guidelines – Regulates the use of bollards near exits, entry points, and high-traffic areas.
- Local Traffic and Zoning Laws – Cities and municipalities may have specific rules governing bollard placement in parking garages.
Best Practices for Placing Bollards in Parking Structures
Proper positioning of bollards ensures they provide maximum protection without obstructing pedestrian movement.
- Entry & Exit Points
- Place bollards near garage entrances to prevent accidental vehicle overshooting.
- Use automatic or retractable bollards to regulate authorized vehicle access.
- Pedestrian Crossings
- Install bollards at marked crosswalks to separate foot traffic from vehicle lanes.
- Use high-visibility colors or reflective materials to enhance safety at night.
- Walkways & Sidewalks
- Space bollards at 4 to 5 feet apart to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian pathways.
- Ensure bollards do not block ADA-compliant wheelchair access.
- High-Risk Zones
- Position crash-rated bollards near payment kiosks, elevators, and stairwells to protect pedestrians.
- Use reinforced bollards in areas prone to high vehicle speeds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bollard Installation
Even with the best intentions, incorrect installation of bollards can reduce their effectiveness. Avoid these mistakes:
- Placing bollards too far apart – Allows small vehicles or motorcycles to pass through unprotected gaps.
- Using the wrong type of bollard – Lightweight or flexible bollards may not provide adequate protection in high-impact zones.
- Failing to consider emergency access – Blocking fire lanes or ambulance routes can lead to compliance issues.
- Ignoring visibility concerns – Poorly marked or unlit bollards can create trip hazards for pedestrians.
By adhering to industry regulations and best practices, property owners can maximize pedestrian safety while ensuring efficient traffic flow in parking structures.
FAQ
1. Why are bollards important for pedestrian safety in parking structures?
- Bornes create a physical barrier between pedestrians and moving vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents.
- They help define safe walking zones, preventing people from straying into high-traffic areas.
- Impact-resistant bollards can stop runaway vehicles, protecting pedestrians and infrastructure.
2. What types of bollards are best for parking structures?
- Fixed bollards – Ideal for permanent pedestrian protection and structural security.
- Bornes rétractables – Allow controlled access for authorized vehicles.
- Flexible bollards – Guide traffic flow without damaging vehicles on impact.
- Crash-rated bollards – Designed for high-impact resistance in sensitive areas.
3. Where should bollards be placed in a parking structure?
- Pedestrian walkways and crosswalks – To prevent vehicles from encroaching on foot traffic areas.
- Entry and exit points – To control vehicle access and improve traffic organization.
- Near payment kiosks and ticket booths – To protect pedestrians waiting in line.
- Loading zones and pickup/drop-off areas – To separate vehicle lanes from passenger waiting areas.
4. Do bollards need to comply with safety regulations?
- Yes, bollards should follow industry standards such as:
- ASTM F3016 – Defines impact resistance levels for vehicle protection.
- ADA compliance – Ensures pedestrian pathways remain accessible.
- Local traffic laws – Some cities require specific spacing and installation guidelines.
5. How far apart should bollards be installed?
- The standard spacing is 4 to 5 feet apart to prevent vehicles from passing through.
- Spacing should be adjusted based on pedestrian traffic volume and accessibility needs.
- In high-security zones, crash-rated bollards may require closer spacing for maximum protection.
6. Can bollards improve traffic flow in parking structures?
- Yes, bollards help guide vehicles by clearly marking lanes, turning points, and restricted zones.
- They prevent illegal parking and unauthorized access, keeping traffic organized.
- Smart bollards with automated controls can adjust access points dynamically based on real-time traffic conditions.
7. What are the latest innovations in bollard technology?
- Smart bollards with motion sensors that adjust based on traffic movement.
- LED-lit and solar-powered bollards for better nighttime visibility.
- Crash-resistant materials that provide impact protection while remaining lightweight.
- Automated retractable bollards that integrate with security and access control systems.
Conclusion
Ensuring pedestrian safety in parking structures is a growing concern as urban spaces become more congested. Bornes offer a proven solution by acting as physical barriers that prevent vehicle encroachment, guide traffic, and protect high-risk zones.
Principaux enseignements
- Bornes separate pedestrian walkways from vehicle lanes, reducing accident risks.
- Properly placed bollards enhance traffic flow and improve parking lot organization.
- Different types of bollards—fixed, retractable, flexible, and crash-rated—serve unique safety and security needs.
- Following industry regulations (ASTM, ADA compliance) ensures effective and legal installation.
- Innovative bollard technologies like smart sensors and solar-powered lighting are shaping the future of pedestrian protection.
As parking structures evolve, so must their safety measures. By investing in high-quality bollards and strategic placement, property owners can create safer environments for both pedestrians and drivers while ensuring long-term structural security.
