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I think most people (including TFA author) just don't realize what bollards actually cost to install. They're not simple little poles that can be plopped on top

I think most people (including TFA author) just don't realize what bollards actually cost to install. They're not simple little poles that can be plopped on top of concrete, they have to actually be built into the foundation. Ironically the @WorldBollard association account TFA links to illustrates it best: https://twitter.com/WorldBollard/status/1384527600639434755 https://twitter.com/WorldBollard/status/1384527600639434755 and https://twitter.com/WorldBollard/status/1635595240508735490 https://twitter.com/WorldBollard/status/1635595240508735490 That's why the US is full of corrugated steel barriers TFA maligns by association. They use tension cables mounted at the ends to provide the rigidity, requiring just two holes to dig instead of an entire ditch.

caf 3y ago
The article includes a construction picture that shows the foundation portion, down at the bottom.
Terr_ 3y ago
> That's why the US is full of corrugated steel barriers TFA maligns by association. TFA does not malign those barriers, it is against their specific placement on the outer edge of sidewalks, rather than in between the sidewalk and the road. Such placement implies minimizing scratches to the paint of a swerving car is more important than the lives and limbs of the average pedestrian.
- Terr_ 3y ago
  > Such placement implies P.S.: Or perhaps that cars must be given the ability to drive on top of the sidewalks in order to dodge other cars that are driving erratically, but I feel that logic is still kinda questionable.
michael1999 3y ago
Transport routinely install expensive guard rails to save drivers. Their opposition to bollards is not cost -- it is because they are a Dangerous Fixed Object that endangers drivers that leave the roadway.
wonder_er 3y ago
I've been following the world bollard account for ages, love them with my whole soul. I'm weighing _installing a bollard_ against _a person or building or both being destroyed by a regular and routine mistake_. Bollards are hilariously cheap compared to every single other option, including "doing nothing except cleaning up the damage". FWIW, I hate the corrugated steel barriers you mention, and they're not cheaper than bollards (if you're at all judicious and thoughtful about the bollard design and installation). As another commenter mentioned, at the bottom of a post, there's a photo of 'strong' bollards, mid-installation, at the bottom of the post. Why do you say that it's ironic that I link to the world bollard association?

caf 3y ago

The article includes a construction picture that shows the foundation portion, down at the bottom.

Terr_ 3y ago

> That's why the US is full of corrugated steel barriers TFA maligns by association. TFA does not malign those barriers, it is against their specific placement on the outer edge of sidewalks, rather than in between the sidewalk and the road. Such placement implies minimizing scratches to the paint of a swerving car is more important than the lives and limbs of the average pedestrian.

Terr_ 3y ago
> Such placement implies P.S.: Or perhaps that cars must be given the ability to drive on top of the sidewalks in order to dodge other cars that are driving erratically, but I feel that logic is still kinda questionable.

michael1999 3y ago

Transport routinely install expensive guard rails to save drivers. Their opposition to bollards is not cost -- it is because they are a Dangerous Fixed Object that endangers drivers that leave the roadway.

wonder_er 3y ago

I've been following the world bollard account for ages, love them with my whole soul. I'm weighing _installing a bollard_ against _a person or building or both being destroyed by a regular and routine mistake_. Bollards are hilariously cheap compared to every single other option, including "doing nothing except cleaning up the damage". FWIW, I hate the corrugated steel barriers you mention, and they're not cheaper than bollards (if you're at all judicious and thoughtful about the bollard design and installation). As another commenter mentioned, at the bottom of a post, there's a photo of 'strong' bollards, mid-installation, at the bottom of the post. Why do you say that it's ironic that I link to the world bollard association?