Before you make a decision on how to light your trails and paths, answer this: “Should you light them?”

Everyone has an opinion on lighting, making this topic difficult and contro-versial. Some users demand lighting in the belief that it will deter vandalism and crime. Others ask for a no-light policy, insisting that lights will increase mischief by encouraging night-time use. Another group may feel strongly about a zero light intrusion policy. What is right for you?

Because there are no standards on when to provide trail lighting, you need to make your own informed decision on this topic. Make this decision only after weighing issues such as location, commuter use, security, and cost. Here are some items for you to consider:

• Trail Type- An easy way to start the lighting discussion is to break your trail into types (see page 3). A rural/rustic trail may have no lighting needs, but a promenade area along a popular river walk lined with restaurants and shops will have a different set of needs.


• Average and Peak Traffic- Just like traffic on your roads, you should know the expected traffic on your trail.

To obtain the data, take ‘traffic’ counts during a 15-minute peak period or, for a new trail, take counts in an area with similar, expected usage. It’s okay to factor in your own anecdotal data. The goal is to get a good feel for the time of day that your trail will get light, intermediate, and heavy use. Use the data to help make your lighting decision.

• Commuters- If you have people using the trail for commuting, consider point-to-point and intersection lighting to guide people during the early morning or evening hours. Lighting helps them to see the trail ahead, avoid obstructions, and build confidence in their personal safety.
• Safety- Lighting for safety must be considered at street intersections, ramps, pedestrian bridges and tunnels, and in areas where users need to see trail direction, surface conditions, and obstacles. Where possible, rely on spillover lighting (if it is of adequate quantity and quality) from roadway and other fixtures. This will keep your users free from danger.
• Security- People worry about themselves and will avoid areas where they believe they could be in danger. Consider lighting areas most prone to problems. These include trailhead parking lots, restrooms, phone booths, tunnels, and other areas where the perception of crime deters trail use. This will keep your users free from worry.
• Attractive Nuisance– Experts recommend lighting your trails if you want to attract night-time users. This is a great idea in areas where group events are held (fireworks, concerts), at tourist attractions, and in areas where people stop to shop or eat. The perception of promoting night-time use may not go over so well in residential areas. Consult with your stakeholders (emergency responders, the community, andusers) and make an informed decision that you can live with.
• Nocturnal Life- Nocturnal feeding, mating, and migrating are biological functions that are triggered by the dark of night. Lights disrupt these functions. They disrupt the food chain. Be considerate of all stakeholders: Take wildlife into account when making your lighting decision.
• Light Intrusion- Your decision to light (or not) will define the character of your trail as well as that of the neighbor-hood. If you install lights, provide a community–responsive design that complies with local lighting codes and eliminates spillover and glare.
• Cost and Energy Use- Can you afford the material, installation, maintenance, and energy costs? Is solar lighting a viable option to reduce your electric bill? Before making your decision, ask for a present-worth engineers estimate on your full range of options and proceed only when all data is in hand.

Your decision as to whether and where to provide lighting will likely be controversial. If you provide lighting, it must fulfill a need that makes sense. Consider all options, obtain input from your stakeholders, and educate yourself and others about lighting issues. Then you can confidently proceed with a lighting plan that you can be proud of and confident in.

For more information on lighting your trails, contact Chris Smith, P.E. at 585-334-1310, ext. 239, or by e-mail at csmith@fisherassoc.com