How far apart should bollards be placed?
Bollards should be spaced close enough that a vehicle cannot pass between them, yet wide enough for pedestrians, wheelchairs and strollers to get through. The right gap depends on the vehicles you are stopping, accessibility rules, the rating of the post and any local requirements, so confirm it for each site.
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Two goals pull in opposite directions
A bollard line has to stop vehicles and let people through. Too wide, and a small car, cart or forklift can slip between posts. Too tight, and wheelchairs, strollers and delivery carts cannot pass. Published guidance varies by country and use, which is why a single number should not be copied from a website. We set spacing from the site plan, not from a rule of thumb.
What drives the spacing
Where several apply, the strictest requirement wins.
- The smallest vehicle you need to stop, such as a compact car, a cart or a forklift
- Accessible route requirements for people using mobility devices
- Whether the bollards are crash-rated, which may carry tested spacing limits
- Sight lines and turning paths for trucks and loaders
- Local code, municipal requirements and the owner insurer rules
- Whether some posts will be removable to allow service access
Rated systems have tested spacing
A crash-rated bollard is tested as a system: post, embedment and foundation, and often a specific spacing. Changing the spacing can change the rating. If your site needs rated protection, follow the manufacturer test data and an engineer rather than rules of thumb.
For general protection against bumps and drift, such as around storefronts and meters, spacing is set by what you are guarding against and what needs to pass between posts.
How we set spacing for a project
- Walk the siteWe look at traffic, vehicles and how people move.
- Identify the threatSlow-moving delivery vehicles, forklifts or high-speed approach.
- Confirm access needsAccessible routes and service gates.
- Check codes and ratingsMunicipal rules and, if needed, rated systems.
- Mark and reviewPositions are laid out and confirmed before installation.
Next steps
Send us a site plan or a photo and tell us what you want to protect. Our bollards page covers the types we make, and bollard installation Toronto explains how installation runs. Quotes are free.
Related questions
Is there one standard spacing?
No. It depends on the use, the vehicles and local requirements, so we confirm it per site.
Can I leave gaps for pedestrians?
Yes, and in most public routes you should. We design gaps to keep accessible paths open.
Do removable bollards change spacing?
They can be used where access is needed. The spacing logic stays the same when they are in place.
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