Pedestrian and bike path illumination for safety and security: Empirical pre- and post-field studies by a university team

A lighting design solution for a proposed, two mile long, pedestrian and bike path was developed. The path, with sections both near to and distant from the roadway, bordered a University campus in the southern US and served to link existing University buildings, a University/community arena and parking. In 2005, research team members examined existing lighting conditions. The team considered existing spill lighting from nearby buildings and roadways. Following industry procedures, they took sample light meter readings utilizing a hand-held lux meter. After a five year delay in Federal funding, construction on the illuminated pedestrian and bike path project commenced. The bike path project, including the installation of high pressure sodium illumination by acorn head pole fixtures, was accepted by Federal and University officials. Immediately after the path's completion in 2012, the researchers re-measured light levels at the site. They compared their pre- and post-installation measurements to the industry recommendations in effect during these two time periods. The researchers also used a digital sky quality meter to determine light pollution in the vicinity of the path. The path is currently in use by the University and community stakeholders.