Bollard Posts from Hell

[mojoe]

The one I dislike is the gates that make you do a sharp S-curve to enter the trail. It can't be to keep horses out, as they can come in another way, and I always see horse droppings on this trail. It was enough of a pain on a bike. Now that I have a trike, it's even more so.

Also, we have one paved trail here that has two swing gates close together. The reason is, the trail crosses grazing land. They didn't size both gates the same width. My trike fit through one gate (barely), but not the other. I don't ride that trail any more. Instead of gates, I think they should have used good, old-fashioned cattle guards. They work everywhere else, why not on this trail?

 

[mojoe]

Oh, and twice now I have been passed by motorbikes on bike paths. The trailheads have signs that say "No motorized vehicles", but there are always those who think that rules and laws don't apply to them.

 

[J.R.]

The one I dislike is the gates that make you do a sharp S-curve to enter the trail. It can't be to keep horses out, as they can come in another way, and I always see horse droppings on this trail. It was enough of a pain on a bike. Now that I have a trike, it's even more so.

Also, we have one paved trail here that has two swing gates close together. The reason is, the trail crosses grazing land. They didn't size both gates the same width. My trike fit through one gate (barely), but not the other. I don't ride that trail any more. Instead of gates, I think they should have used good, old-fashioned cattle guards. They work everywhere else, why not on this trail?

We have one of the gates you have to zigzag through. It's at a road crossing on a blind curve. They are designed to force you to dismount and walk your bike through. In our case to prevent people from riding through and into the blind curve where someone could get hit by a car. In any case the authority puts them in places where they hope to force you to walk through.

 

[Arsenlee]

Hi there!


I completely understand your frustrations with bollard posts. They can indeed be a hazard for cyclists, especially in tight spots. It’s interesting to see how different communities manage safety on trails.


While I appreciate the intention behind using bollards to prevent vehicle access, I agree that they often seem more like an obstacle than a safety feature. In fact, I've seen some innovative alternatives that can enhance safety without compromising accessibility.


For instance, ZASP (https://cnzasp.com/) offers a range of customizable solutions that not only help control traffic but also provide a safer experience for cyclists and pedestrians. Their products are designed to minimize hazards while maintaining clear pathways. If you're interested in exploring options that could be more effective than traditional bollards, check out ZASP's innovative solutions.


I’d love to hear more about what others think, and perhaps we can advocate for safer trail designs together!


Safe riding!

 

[6zfshdb]

Welcome to the forum!
An old thread but one that is important to all trail riders.

Just making them shorter to allow handlebars to safely fit through would be a big help:

 

[kevinmccune]

Welcome to the forum!
An old thread but one that is important to all trail riders.

Just making them shorter to allow handlebars to safely fit through would be a big help:

View attachment 191264

you have to make them high enough to be noticed,I have seen several "bollards and protectors ran into at gas stations the common denominator?,height,if you took your eyes off or was distracted pulling up you couldnt see them,the best technique would be a "maze" type deal sort of like what some farmers do at pasture fences,if you have to get off and walk through,big deal.places like "New Orleans" and other metro areas should have bollards protecting public areas,Bill Clinton had bollards installed on Pennsylvania Avenue which given the hate nowadays is a good thing,we might cry about this little loss of "freedom" until humans learn to respect others expect more things like this in the future and expect "incarceration metro" as more laws are enacted and greedy judges and DAs fill up any new facilities built( did you know high law officials are actually buying into private prisons and jails?)( maybe all the Karens,Kevins and HOA holligans need thicker skin?)