Pedestrian Fencing
Pedestrian fencing provides a physical barrier that separates pedestrians from moving traffic, reducing the likelihood of vehicle and pedestrian collisions. By controlling movement, pedestrian fencing enhances driver predictability and ensures smoother traffic flow, particularly near intersections, schools, and high-volume roads. It also improves visibility by preventing pedestrians from stepping unexpectedly into traffic lanes. When combined with designated crossings and signage, pedestrian fencing creates a safer, more organised road environment that protects vulnerable users.
Designed to shield vulnerable road users by containing errant vehicles and preventing then from entering the pedestrian area.
RMS Pedestrian Fencing is a heavy-duty steel construction, designed to channel pedestrians to safe road crossing locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vulnerable road user?
A vulnerable road user is any person at increased risk of injury in a crash due to limited physical protection compared to vehicle occupants. Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and are highly susceptible to severe injury or death, as the human body typically cannot withstand impact forces greater than 30 km/h.
Are vehicle occupants regarded as vulnerable road users?
No. During a crash, a vehicle occupant is afforded numerous safety features incorporated into the vehicle including seatbelts, airbags and crumple zones to manage the impact forces during a collision.
What are some of the roadside treatment options that can be adopted to protect vulnerable road users?
The Safe System principles promote a hierarchy of treatment options that includes separated facilities, vehicle speed management, and pedestrian crossings.
What is the benefit of installing a pedestrian fencing system?
A pedestrian fencing system provides physical separation of vulnerable road users from vehicles. A pedestrian fence can prevent pedestrians or cyclists from unintentionally stepping or riding into moving traffic and direct pedestrians to designated crossing points.
What are the features of a pedestrian fence?
A pedestrian fence should be high enough to discourage climbing, contain no sharp edges or snag points and minimise encroachment into the pedestrian area.
Can all pedestrian fencing be relied upon to stop or redirect errant vehicles?
No. Most pedestrian fencing systems, including RMS Pedestrian Fencing, are channelising barriers only and are used to direct traffic. These systems cannot be relied upon to contain or redirect errant vehicles.
When would I consider a pedestrian fencing system that is not a safety barrier?
A channelising barrier could be considered in low-speed environments, when shielding a pedestrian from a steep embankment adjacent to a footpath, or in applications where there is no vehicle traffic.
What pedestrian fencing systems are capable of containing or redirecting errant vehicles?
ZebraFence, developed by Safe Direction, is a crash tested pedestrian fencing system demonstrating containment of a 2270 kg pickup truck travelling at 70 km/h and 25 degrees.
When should I consider the use of ZebraFence?
ZebraFence should be considered wherever the fence is required to shield vulnerable road users from errant vehicles.
What are some examples of where ZebraFence can be installed?
ZebraFence may be installed near intersections, cycleways, school zones, bus stops, roadside dining, median strips and footpaths adjacent to high-traffic roadways.
