What is a bollard?

A bollard is a short, sturdy vertical post used primarily to control or direct road traffic, protect passersby and property, or restrict vehicle access to a specific area.

You will often see them in the following situations:

On sidewalks, to protect buildings from car impacts

In parking lots, for stopping vehicles from entering a specific area

In front of stores, for security

In ports or harbors (historically) for mooring ships - which is actually how the word was originally used!

They can be made of metal, concrete, plastic, or other materials, and some can be disassembled or telescoped for flexible access.

 

Types of bollards (by function):

1. Safety Bollards

Use: To protect buildings or passers-by from vehicle impacts.

Use cases: storefronts, banks, government buildings, pedestrian plazas.

Usually reinforced: sometimes filled with concrete or steel to stop vehicles.

 

2. Traffic Control Bollards

Uses: To guide or restrict vehicular traffic.

Uses: medians, bicycle lanes, restricted areas.

Flexible and movable (e.g. plastic bollards that bend on impact). 3.

 

3. Detachable or retractable bollards

Purpose: To provide access control that can be changed as required.

Uses: Event areas, right-of-way, emergency access.

Can be manually removed, raised or lowered, or automatically retracted (by hydraulic or electric devices).

 

4. Decorative Bollards

Purpose: To provide shade while adding aesthetic appeal.

Uses: Historic districts, parks, squares.

Often decorative, blending in with the surrounding architecture.

 

5. Marine bollards

Purpose: Mooring bollards used to secure ships.

Uses: Docks and harbors.

Usually very large and made of cast iron or steel.

 

Additional features:

Reflective tape or reflective lights: for improved nighttime visibility

Collars or chains: for connecting multiple bollards

Smart bollards: integrated access control or traffic management system

Material	Strength	Features & Use
Steel	High	Often used for anti-ram or security bollards; can be filled with concrete.
Concrete	High	Good for high-impact areas; often used in permanent installations.
Plastic/Polymer	Low-Med	Flexible and safe for low-speed traffic guidance (e.g., parking lots).
Stainless Steel	High	Used for decorative, long-lasting, rust-resistant installations.
Wood or Stone	Varies	More aesthetic, for low-impact decorative use.