Streetlight Installations, Past and Present. Safety and Inclusion

Streetlight installations are essential for illuminating roadways, parking areas, and sidewalks. Traffic engineers understand that streetlighting or area lighting enhances community safety. Historically, installation have not always been equally applied. The importance of professionally planned streetlight installations including placement and maintenance is far reaching. Undeniably, it applies to encouraging equality, improving community livability, and even correcting historical injustices.

The Evolution of Streetlight Installations

In decades past outdoor street light placement was determined not only by engineers, but also by the discriminatory practice of redlining. This federal government Home Owners’ Loan Corporation practice began in 1934 as a program to deny or limit “financial services. Markedly, loans, insurance, or marginalized community access to housing.

Redlining determined the amount of money invested in a community. Investment disparities resulting in a fewer number of streetlights in poorer communities compared to wealthier communities was common. Sadly, the infrastructure layout from years ago is present today in many locations. For that reason, prioritizing safety and deploying quality pedestrian-scale streetlighting must occur to correct this disparity.

Area lights are often taken for granted. Particularly, the significant role they play in shaping community behaviors, including crime. In effect, old equipment hinders the lighting needs of modern communities. In time, as behaviors shift and priorities change, installed streetlights need to align with contemporary values and challenges.

Maximizing the Potential of Area Lighting Assets

Effective streetlight installations begin with a detailed map of existing area light placement. In general, many cities lack this basic knowledge hindering efforts to improve community lighting infrastructure. By making detailed assessments and adopting LED technology, authorities can unlock the full potential of installing streetlights that improve safety and encouraging equality.

“However, small flaws in design can lead to significant consequences, including light trespass, sky glow, negative contrast for pedestrian crossings, ecological impacts, glare, and the feeling of being surveilled.”

Why Properly Installed Outdoor Illumination Matters

Achieving fairness in streetlighting goes beyond uniform distribution. In essence, it requires a detailed approach that addresses a community’s needs. Importance considerations include reducing light pollution, glare, and encouraging environmental sustainability best practices.

The Role of Modernization

Many cities across the United States are installing LED streetlights. Occasionally, solar street lights. In recent years, LED conversions have presented opportunities to improve street lighting on a large scale. Area lighting using best engineering practices is not just about illumination, it is a symbol of equality and societal progress. Employing fair installation strategies in cities and urban areas provides an inclusive future for all residents.

EcoCentricNow (ECN) Advocates for Universal Area Light Installations

EcoCentricNow LLC (ECN) distributes interior and exterior LED property lighting, handheld lighting and an assortment of batteries from Duracell, Energizer, Fuji and GP. Markets supported include property management, recreation, safety-emergency preparedness, and STEM education. ECN’s mission is to promote environmental stewardship by distributing well designed, long lasting, energy efficient LED lighting products and supplies that foster ecological sustainability and human wellbeing.

References:

• 1& 2, Original article: INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Cities can help reverse redlining effects by deploying quality streetlighting | LEDs Magazine
• Original article: Redlining | Federal Reserve History