While vehicle bollards may appear simple at first glance, in actuality they serve a wide range of potential functions, from the most ruggedly practical to the purely ornamental.
What Is A Vehicle Bollard?
Vehicle bollards are typically short posts firmly implanted into the ground below so that they cannot be easily damaged or dislodged. Indeed, many bollards are designed and installed in such a way that they can withstand direct vehicle impacts. They are usually made of steel and concrete, with the possible addition of decorative elements or features such as light fixtures or hinges which allow the bollard to bend and rebound.
What Are Vehicle Bollards Used For?
Vehicle bollards are most commonly used to guide traffic and protect areas from vehicle intrusions. They often serve as road or boundary markings, but they may also be used as mooring posts or hitching ties thanks to their durable, steadfast nature. Bollards may fill any of the following roles:
They create a visual barrier. Bollards are highly visible to drivers, and as such, they are ideal for directing traffic and preventing vehicles from accessing areas where they are not permitted. For example, when a street is blocked off by bollards, drivers can easily see that the street is intended for pedestrian use only, whereas a sign could easily be missed by a distracted driver, endangering pedestrians. (For enhanced visibility, one can choose to have decorative or utility covers added to vehicle bollards in bright, striking colours.)
They provide physical protection. Many types of bollard will hold up even when subjected to high-impact vehicle collisions, and as such, they offer physical protection to pedestrians, exposed utilities, and buildings. Steel pipe security bollards are particularly suited to this purpose as they are made from structural grade steel and are typically embedded deep into the ground and reinforced with concrete.
They provide decorative appeal. Bollards can be decorated with covers that complement buildings or landscapes. Covers are available in a wide range of shapes, textures, and colours in order to flatter many different building styles, from the most modern and contemporary structures to historical landmarks.
They provide convenient parking for cyclists. One can purchase specially-made bike bollards which are designed to facilitate bicycle storage (these are usually equipped with bike-locking handles) and to help separate and direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic so that the risk of collision between cyclists and pedestrians is minimised. Bike bollards are particularly helpful in urban areas where human traffic is dense.
They make excellent light fixtures. Light bollards—bollards which have lighting fixtures installed within them—are very useful for directing traffic in low-light conditions and in conditions where visibility is reduced. Modern light bollards can even be equipped with “green” features such as solar panels and internal energy management systems in order to ensure that energy consumption is kept to a bare minimum.
They help to streamline seasonal events. Not all bollards are permanent; removable, retractable and collapsible bollards are also available for temporary use. These bollards are ideally suited to areas with changing access needs and for use during seasonal events as they can be easily be removed and stored once these events have ended.
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