Top: Solar-powered lamp posts providing lighting without the need for a mains connection. Bottom: Solar-powered bollards; a cost-effective method to light the way

Cost-effective lighting is set to take a significant step forward with the introduction of our new solar-powered lamp post and bollard system. Available as 2000, 3000 or 4000mm posts and 1000mm high bollards, these units offer significant cost savings on both installation (as they require no cable runs or mains connections) and running costs.

Intelligent design also means that the separate solar panels which have made previous products expensive and prone to vandalism are a thing of the past. Instead, the solar units are protected by a polycarbonate cover and are housed stylishly within the post itself.

Applications include walkways, cycle paths, car parks, schools, universities, sports grounds, retail and leisure centres. The system generates 350 lumens whilst using only 3 watts of energy. An inbuilt sensor ensures that the units only light up when approached by people, cars or bikes reducing both power consumption and light pollution. Units can be pre-programmed to light up in sequence, for an agreed duration, and needs just 1 hour of sunshine per month to generate sufficient power.

Keen interest is expected in both posts and bollards which are due for release in late summer 2010. To receive further information as it becomes available click here to register your interest now.

Top: Parker Hoop bicycle stand. Bottom: Harlequin bicycle rack

There can be little doubt that cycling is on the increase. We have come a long way since Sustrans first mooted the idea of a National Cycle Network in 1995 and, with their current “Bike It” campaign to get children cycling to school and the efforts of other bodies such as Cycling England to persuade us to take to two wheels, the chances are that the trend is set to continue.

This is all good news, both in terms of the environment and also for personal health, but it does bring with it one problem – where to park all the extra bikes? We are told that currently just 2% of children cycle to school. Judging by the tangled heap of bikes outside my local primary school each morning, if a significant proportion of the remainder are also persuaded, school playgrounds will rapidly begin to resemble scrap yards.

So what can you do to avoid this latest manifestation of the parking problem? Well, a good start can be made by visiting the Bicycle Parking page of our website where we have assembled range of cost-effective solutions including a bike rests and bike stands including single and double sided versions, floor and wall-mounted models, galvanised and stainless steel finishes, a bright multi-coloured one called Harlequin especially for school playgrounds and even one for hanging bicycles from the ceiling if you are really inundated.

A good second step would be to contact our sales team on 01280 701093 or email our Sales Department .

We look forward to hearing from you.

A selection of our bollards

Eco Bollards and Eco Posts are a natural extension of Greenbarnes longstanding commitment to providing street furniture manufactured from recycled plastics. Available in a range of designs and sizes, these offer the perfect compliment to our existing Heavy-duty Man-made Timber range of notice boards.