Pedestrian gates are designed to control entry and exit by people on foot, allowing movement to and from specific areas. Pedestrian gates serve as access points that make entering and exiting locations easy and convenient and increase safety measures by controlling who comes in and out, as well as managing crowds and guiding pedestrian traffic.
These gates come in many sizes, shapes and forms, from secure lock-and-go metal gates that promote maximum safety, to small, waist-high picket fences that serve as allocated entry and exit points to public recreational spaces like playgrounds and parks.
If you are in need of high-quality, durable gates for your home or business, Glow Innovations has you covered. Keep reading as we fill you in on the various gate options available to you as well as a few factors to consider when picking out the perfect gate.
Pedestrian Gates vs. Motor Gates
Motor gates are usually controlled by mechanical means and remote controls, allowing for motor vehicle access to and from locations, so why don’t pedestrians just use motor gates?
Safety: It is safer for pedestrians to use allocated gates designed for entry and exit that direct foot traffic away from motor vehicle driveways. Pedestrians and vehicles using the same entry point can be dangerous, as walking alongside moving vehicles puts pedestrians at risk of being knocked down or injured. To ensure a safe environment, especially in public and commercial spaces like office parks and shopping malls where there is a constant vehicle flow, pedestrians should always have an allocated pedestrian gate.
Accessibility: Motor gates as designed to allow vehicles entry and exit, and direct traffic to and from roads and parking lots. Pedestrians using motor gates to enter or exit an area would have to walk on roads or through parking lots to reach their desired location, whereas well-placed gates divert them away from motor traffic and garages and straight to their desired location. Pedestrian gates can also be designed to accommodate pedestrians with special needs in terms of accessibility – think wheelchair ramps.
As seen in the image above, the pedestrian gate allows a separate entry and exit point into the residential complex that is separated from the motor vehicle entrance. The path that it is set on is easily accessible, leading towards the house.
Access Control: These gates are also a safety and security feature. Walls or fencing around an establishment prevent people from coming in and out, and pedestrian gates are designed to regulate all entry and exit by pedestrians. Access control ensures that those in charge of the premises can monitor and regulate who enters, and this can be done via a variety of additional measures.
Key cards: Key cards are a popular method to regulate entry to private spaces. They are kept by authorised individuals, residents or tenants and scanned on a sensor to release or open the pedestrian gate and grant access.
Biometrics: Biometrics is an advanced security system that uses fingerprint scanners to regulate entry and even exit. Residents or tenants are able to load their fingerprints onto the biometric system, which registers them as authorised access and allows them to enter and exit as they please, without having to keep a key card or remote.
Codes: Key codes are also a popular method to regulate access, but these pin codes need to be remembered by those using them, and not shared with outsiders at the risk of compromising the security of the premises.
Lock and key: Most private residences utilise a simple lock and key method. The owner of the house or apartment is able to lock and unlock their pedestrian gate as they please, ensuring safety and control at all times. With technological advances, many are now opting for intercoms and buzzer systems or key codes for added convenience and security.
Private Vs Commercial Pedestrian Gate
Pedestrian gates have two overall purposes: accessibility and safety. However, when it comes to public versus private gates, the functions and purpose differ in a few subtle ways.
Ownership
Private: Pedestrian gates on private properties are installed as a safety measure and to allow easy access for authorised individuals. They are in place to make sure that not just anyone can enter or exit the premises, and this is to prevent theft, trespassing and for the safety of those inside. These types of properties include private homes, residential complexes and estates, and commercial buildings.
Public: The primary concern with public pedestrian gates is to manage pedestrian flow. Instead of restricting access to an area, these gates signal an entry and exit point and direct the flow of foot traffic through these gates and into the premises. Access control is often implemented at night or when these spaces are closed, as the gates will then be locked. These gates are often found in areas like parks, public transportation hubs, city centres and outdoor playgrounds and seating areas.
Purpose
Private: Private gates give private spaces a sense of exclusivity and exist to manage access. Only authorised individuals are permitted to enter, and there are measures in place like locks, keycodes etc to ensure this. Thus the purpose of private gates is to enhance privacy and security for those on the other side.
Public: Public gates have more diverse purposes and exist not to create a sense of exclusivity, but to manage crowd control and be able to handle and direct large volumes of people quickly and efficiently to maintain safety.
Design And Aesthetics
Private: Private gates are able to be more personalised based on the owners’ preferences. The materials, design and overall aesthetics of the gate can be customised based on the owner’s taste, or the surrounding design and aesthetics. The property owners can choose to have a gate that is discreet, serving as a private entry and exit point that blends in well with the surroundings, or they can choose to make a statement, choosing a gate design that stands out and is unique.
Public: Whilst private gates can be designed with more freedom, and with aesthetics in mind, public gates place more emphasis on functionality than anything else. Public pedestrian gates need to be functional and operate efficiently, and be durable. Public gates need to be able to withstand heavy usage and harsh weather conditions if they are in an exposed location. Moreover, they need to go long periods without needing repairs and maintenance, whereas private gates have more dedicated maintenance and upkeep along with the property.
Access Control
Private: Access through private gates is far more restricted, as they are designed to grant access to a few individuals. Access through these types of gates is usually granted through key cards, access codes or intercom systems in which visitors can buzz through and access can be granted by the property owner once the visitor has communicated with them and announced themselves. Many older residential pedestrian gates still use the lock and key method. Just like they lock the front door of the house, the homeowner will exit via the pedestrian gate and then lock it behind them, or sometimes they slam lock.
Public: Public gates are intended for a wider amount of accessibility. Many public gates are not put in place to restrict access, but to guide foot traffic. Some public pedestrian gates may require cards or tickets to grant access if the space they are allowing access to requires an entrance fee, but for the most part public pedestrian gates remain accessible most of the time.
Integration With Surroundings
Some gates are designed to match or celebrate their surroundings. Decor and additional wrought iron designs can still function as a security feature while offering plenty of aesthetic appeal.
Private: As mentioned previously, there is more allowance for customisation and creativity when it comes to gates on your own private property. Private gate owners can choose to design a gate that stands out and embraces creativity, that compliments the surrounding areas or that is minimalistic and designed to blend in.
Public: Public gates tend to be more uniform and standard, but can be made to have an aesthetic to match the surrounding areas.
Choosing The Right Pedestrian Gate
Now that you have learned about the different functions and features of public and private pedestrian gates, it’s time to get in contact and let us help you pick out the perfect gate to suit your purposes.
Whether you want an access control gate with a minimalistic design and maximum security, or a feature gate with elegant additions to invite guests into your space, Glow Innovations has a wide range of ready-made gates in a variety of different materials and designs, as well as the option to have a custom made gate to match your desired aesthetic.