1 minute read
IMPROVE LIGHTING
by REA site
Goal
Improve pedestrian and bicycle safety by providing adequate lighting which improves visibility of all parties. By raising visibility, drivers are more likely to see the pedestrians and cyclists reducing the likelihood of a collision.
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WHAT IS IT?
Improving lighting means increasing the quality and quantity of lighting along pedestrian and bicycle corridors; and at intersections to improve visibility and reduce potential collisions. In addition to reducing collisions with vehicles, it can also improve the perception pedestrians have for the corridor’s comfort. Lighting is an important factor in improving pedestrian perception of safety. Dim lighting is not sufficient and limits the perceived and real safety; and visibility along roadways and trails discouraging walking at night.
About two-thirds of pedestrian fatalities happen at night under low-light conditions. By increasing lighting, these statistics can change dramatically. Roughly 50 percent of these fatalities can be reduced just by increasing lighting. Various analysis of multiple studies have concluded that improved street lighting reduces crime by drawing public attention to the location.
Lighting can be unique to a place; it does not have to be specific to LED bulbs and overhead lighting. Incorporating lighting into safety and design features such as bollards not only help create a safer space for pedestrians to be, but brings attention to a driver for where people could be; this is useful practical when done near crosswalks or large event or gathering spaces.
Lighting can be used to define a specific area within the community. Light features in a downtown, along a corridor, and within neighborhoods create an identity that can be used to increase the sense of place within that area. Specifically, programmable lighting enhances the identity and nighttime interest of locations (downtowns and other popular spots around the community). Lighting can be used as an attraction, be used on building exteriors for special occasions, and used for public art displays.
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