What Type of Barricade Should You Use?

Crowd control event barriers, portable event barriers, portable fences and traffic barriers. Barriers come in many forms and styles, but they all serve the same purpose, to protect people from potential danger.

You see barricades every day; they are so common you don’t even realize just how often you come across them.

You might come across barriers on your way to work as you pass under a bridge blocking a ramp that is being worked on. It's quite common to see barriers at a school drop-off zone. There'll also be barriers at that rock concert to keep screaming fans from rushing onto the stage.

Barricades are everywhere and anywhere a large crowd or traffic needs to be controlled.

In fact, we get so used to seeing barricades that we automatically slow our cars down as we approach them, knowing we must be entering a construction zone.

Barricades are indispensable tools relied upon by event planners, crowd management specialists, security personnel, and various professionals. If you're faced with the task of selecting the right barricade but feel overwhelmed by the options, this guide is here to help!

Event Barricades

Event barricades are specialized barriers used to manage crowds and ensure safety at various events, such as concerts, festivals, parades, sports events, and public gatherings.

These barricades serve multiple functions, including directing foot traffic flow, creating secure perimeters, and protecting performers and attendees.

You can bet that whatever type of event you attend, there'll be some sort of plastic or steel barriers in use.

Pedestrian Barricades

Pedestrian barricades are barriers specifically designed to control and manage the movement of people in various settings, ensuring safety and order.

Schools, businesses and public service organizations all across the nation use pedestrian barricades as their primary method of crowd control. The main reason is that pedestrian barricades are far less expensive than hiring employees to keep crowds moving quietly along.

Pedestrian barricades can be either temporary or permanent and come in at a variety of price points. You can choose from metal barricades, plastic barricades and vinyl event fencing.

Traffic Barricades

Traffic barricades are used in highway and street construction zones and are the best way to protect motorists, workers and pedestrians.

These barricades are crucial for maintaining safety and order in areas where traffic patterns are temporarily altered. Their reflective panels ensure visibility at night and in low-light conditions, enhancing the safety of both drivers and pedestrians.

There are several types of traffic barricades, each serving specific purposes and designed to cater to different traffic control needs, but the most robust solutions are concrete and water-filled barriers. 

Concrete barriers are permanent or semi-permanent fixtures providing high-impact resistance and are often used on highways. Water-filled barriers, on the other hand, are portable and can be filled with water on-site, offering a flexible yet substantial barrier that can be easily deployed and removed as needed.

Flat Feet Barricades

Flat feet barricades, also known as flat base barricades, are specialized barriers used to manage pedestrian traffic and create secure perimeters in various settings.

If you've ever been to an outdoor concert or parade, you've likely encountered flat feet barricades. These barriers are made of steel, but are hollow in the center which makes them lightweight and easy to transport. Being steel, they are both weather-resistant and hard-wearing.

This type of barrier is best for sidewalks and city streets, but will work on any flat surface.

Bridge Feet Barricades

The design of bridge feet barricades includes a horizontal base that connects two outward-facing feet, forming a bridge-like structure. This design ensures the barricade remains stable on uneven ground, typically found at festivals, fairs and other outdoor events.

Usually made from durable materials such as steel, bridge feet barricades are built to withstand harsh conditions while remaining portable and easy to deploy.

They are effective for delineating restricted zones, guiding pedestrian traffic flow, and providing clear boundaries in various settings.

Plastic Barricades

Need a quick solution for last-minute crowd control? Plastic barricades are sturdy, lightweight and easy to set up and take down. If you need crowd control barricades for your event, plastic barricades are a huge time saver. 

One of the key advantages of plastic barricades is their flexibility and adaptability to different environments. They can be used indoors or outdoors, on flat surfaces or uneven terrain, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Additionally, plastic barricades are often available in bright colors and may include reflective strips for enhanced visibility, especially in low-light conditions.

If you're still unsure about which type of barricade best suits your needs, start by considering the specific applications they're designed for and take it from there. Barricades come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and foot formats, each tailored for different purposes.

To learn more, check out our guide on barricade feet and their optimal terrain applications!