How to Determine How Many Bollards You Need

There are many reasons to install bollards. It could be to control traffic, guide pedestrians or even protect buildings from vehicles crashing into them. But how do you know how many bollards you need?

The placement and number of bollards make all the difference. If you don’t install enough bollards or if your spacing is wrong, you may be out of compliance and compromising safety.

Here are five steps to determine the number of bollards you need:

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Bollards

Before you can measure or count, you must know what you need the bollards for. Are they intended to:

• Guide pedestrians along sidewalks or public plazas?
• Prevent vehicle access to restricted areas such as storefronts, patios or event spaces?
• Balance aesthetics with protection, such as in historic areas or streetscapes?

The purpose of the bollards will affect what type of bollard you need and the spacing.

2. Measure the Area

Now, you can measure the total length of the area where you want to install bollards, such as the width of a storefront or a section of a street.

You will use that measurement to calculate how many bollards you need. Remember, your measurements must be as accurate as possible.

3. Determine How Far Apart Bollards Should Be Placed

Bollard spacing is important for both safety and accessibility. If bollards are too far apart, vehicles may fit through. However, if they are too close together, pedestrian traffic can be hindered.

Here are a few guidelines and recommendations:

• Vehicle protection: Place bollards a maximum of 5 feet apart, measured edge to edge, to prevent vehicles from passing through. The 5-foot rule helps protect pedestrians and structures from the most compact sedans.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA requires a minimum of 3 feet between bollards to allow people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices to pass comfortably.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA has no specific spacing standards, but recommends bollard sizing of 36 to 48 inches tall. Place bollards 4 to 6 feet apart for forklift charger protection.
• Bollards for private property: There is room for flexibility when incorporating bollards in residential locations. Consider your use cases for bollards on private property to establish appropriate spacing.
• Emergency access: Fire and police stations need safety bollards to safeguard structures. Some cities may deem it necessary to have a 20-foot or larger gap between bollards to accommodate fire trucks and ambulances.

For most installations, 3 to 5 feet apart is ideal. Spacing should also account for local codes and ordinances, so remember to check yours. Additionally, crash-tested bollards must adhere to manufacturer-approved spacing patterns, which are often based on ASTM F2656 standards.

4. Calculate How Many Bollards You Need

Once you have your measurements and spacing, you can calculate how many bollards you need. You can use this formula:

• Number of bollards = (total length ÷ spacing) + 1

That “+1” ensures there’s a bollard at the end of the line.

For example, for a 40-foot line with 4-foot spacing:

• (40 ÷ 4) + 1 = 10 + 1 = 11

You would need eleven bollards.

5. Adjust for Site Conditions

Real-world installations aren’t always perfect. So, you may need minor adjustments for corners, slopes, ramps and even landscaping.

Other factors to consider:

• Lighted bollards require underground access for power.
• Removable bollards need reinforced sleeves or clearances for ease of operation.
• Decorative bollards should complement the space while still maintaining their safety function.

Partnering With Blockaides for Bollard Placement

Determining how many bollards you need is just one piece of the puzzle. Selecting the right type is just as important for long-term safety, compliance and even visual appeal.

Whether your project requires fixed, removable, manual, automatic, lighted or decorative bollards, Blockaides can provide guidance to optimize spacing, ensure compliance and create a layout that complements your environment.

Get in touch with us to explore your bollard options.