IMPROVE LIGHTING 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.
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. For more information, click here.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS
Some conflicts could be associated with light infiltration into nearby residences. This light trespass or light glare could cause disruptions or nuisances for those adjacent to the lit streets. There are methods to counteract these conflicts such as full cutoff lighting, “Smart Lights” or motion sensing lighting which is normal dimmed but raises the light level when a pedestrian is present.
COST
Moderate to high cost depending on the level of implementation. One example in San Francisco, CA estimated that it would cost roughly $610,000 to furnish and install 34 poles (pedestrian-scaled lighting specifically) spaced 50 feet apart around a rail station. However, the costs vary depending on the type and placement of lighting.
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