Lighting Bollards – The Bright Way to Light Pathways

Lighting bollards have emerged as a popular choice for illuminating pathways and landscapes. Today, there’s a far greater variety than ever before, and finding a design that matches the scheme in terms of material and light output has never been easier.

The growing trend of ‘Dark Sky’ compliant lighting is helping to push this change. Factors such as colour temperature, light spillage and gradual dimming are being considered in schemes more than ever before. Bollard lighting has fast become a very appealing option for lighting responsibly, with many robust designs available. Lumena has developed fixtures around this trend for years, both mains and solar powered. Many of these light fixtures are as functional as (or more in some cases) conventional fittings, whilst highly reducing the harmful impact of artificial light on humans and nature.

Stopping the Spread

First and foremost, let’s talk about the spread of light, particularly, directing light towards the floor. Light can be damaging if placement is not thought through. In urban spaces, light entering into residential or commercial windows is harmful, and in rural areas artificial light can disrupt the behaviour of nocturnal wildlife. Most bollards have a fixed downward LED panel or a louvred head to reduce glare. Louvres direct light downwards, away from delicate areas, shielding the sky above.

A Warm Welcome

Contrary to popular belief, warm white (<3000K) and daylight white (>6000K) LEDs produce roughly the same output. Daylight whites appear brighter to the eye because the blue light scatters more. As a general rule, warmer tones (below 3000K) is the least disruptive kelvin range to wildlife. In more sensitive areas, below 2700K is advised, moving into amber territory. From summer 2024, Lumena’s Eccentrica solar bollard will be available in 2500K, which is comparable to traditional incandescent lamps.

Finding the Right Spacing

There isn’t a set rule for spacing LED bollards. Generally, the recommended spacing for bollard lights is 2.5m – 5m apart. Higher-output, taller bollards can be spaced further apart. Closer spacing may be necessary for lower-lumen or shorter bollards to maintain a consistent illumination. Marker lighting on the other hand requires distanced spacing with a low lumen output.

The Not-So-Dim View

Whether it be in urban or rural areas, rarely does public lighting need to be at full brightness all night. Light is needed most during busy periods, usually shortly after dusk. Lumena’s Pro Solar bollards gradually dim down from 100% to 30% throughout the night. PIR sensor bollards have a similar effect, only illuminating at full brightness when triggered by passers-by.

Lighting bollards for pathways offer the opportunity to create a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental consideration. By embracing downward-facing lights, warm colour temperatures, and dynamic dimming, we can create pathways that are not only safe and inviting but also respectful of the delicate balance of nature.