Optics for pedestrian crossings

Lighting at pedestrian crossings is an important aspect in providing both pedestrians and motorists with a sense of safety. Because lighting is intended both to make pedestrians more visible to drivers as well as to light the way for pedestrians, it can sometimes be difficult to create solutions that meet everyone's needs. There are no standard solutions for lighting at pedestrian crossings; lighting must instead be adapted to the unique conditions at each location. As a starting point, it can be good to keep in mind pole placement, vertical lighting and increased lighting contrast around the crossings.

Requirements from the Swedish Transport Administration

For pedestrian crossings at intersections and roundabouts, a higher lighting class (higher technical quality of the lighting) is stipulated than what applies to the road in general.

Pole placement

A pole just before a crossing is usually preferable. The light then falls vertically on the pedestrians. A pole located before a crossing provides light directly onto pedestrians, which enhances colours and contours. With new installations, the poles are typically positioned 3 metres from the centre of the crossing on both sides for optimal results.

Vertical lighting of pedestrians

Lighting must ensure that pedestrians are visible both when they are on the road, as well as alongside it. By striving for high vertical illuminance, with the light falling on pedestrians coming from above and on the same side of the pedestrian crossing as approaching motor vehicles, it is easier to create a safe crossing.

Increased illuminance at pedestrian crossings

A general increase in illuminance at pedestrian crossings is often beneficial for pedestrians, but it requires careful planning in positioning the luminaires. The contrast between the lighting at a pedestrian crossing and other lighting should be carefully considered to avoid possible glare both for pedestrians and motorists. 

Right lens at the right place

In creating optimal lighting solutions for each unique project, we have lenses especially developed for pedestrian crossings on roads with right-hand traffic. The lenses have high vertical illuminance and the luminaires are CLO-equipped with uniform light distribution.

Background to this guide:

It is important to keep in mind that all outdoor environments and projects are unique, and our experience shows that each luminaire should therefore be put into a larger context. It is only then that you can be sure that it produces the desired effect for the surrounding environment. A luminaire that provides good lighting for one street can be entirely wrong for another.

To achieve an optimal solution with the right optics and visual comfort, it is always advisable to discuss your project with us. With test lighting, we can see how the luminaire interplays with other lighting in the surroundings and check, for example, light intensity and colour temperature. We always ask ourselves: Who are we lighting for and how should we go about it? Once we know that, we can choose the right luminaires.

Contact your sales representative to determine the right lighting for your project.