Light protection

Also referred to as light segregation, this is a method for separating a cycle lane from the carriageway by means of (typically temporary, or easily installed) physical objects like wands, planters or armadillos, or even bolt-on kerbs.

An example of wands separating a cycleway from the carriageway, Leicester -

Light protection can offer a reasonable degree of subjective safety, particularly planters and wands. However it does not offer the same extent of safety as more permanent physical protection. Armadillos and Orcas in particular (small objects bolted to the road surface) can easily be traversed by motor traffic.

Light protection is a useful way of quickly installing cycling infrastructure, as well as trialling new layouts, at low cost. However it should not be seen as a substitute for properly-designed, permanent physical infrastructure.