From local parks and residential walkways to university campuses and urban walkways, good pathway lighting plays a critical role in creating spaces that feel safe, accessible, and welcoming — especially after dark.
Poorly lit pathways can contribute to accidents, reduce dwell time, and make public spaces feel unsafe. As towns and cities strive to be more inclusive, the lighting choices made by Local Authorities are more important than ever.
At CU Phosco, we’re proud to offer Kreis, a sleek, modern post-top luminaire from HEPER, now available exclusively through our UK partnership. Kreis is ideal for lighting pathways and pedestrian routes with the clarity, comfort, and performance today’s public realm demands.
WHY PATHWAY LIGHTING MATTERS
According to the Office for National Statistics, the percentage of people who feel unsafe in parks or open spaces after dark has increased from 60% to 63% in recent years. One of the most effective ways to counter this trend is through well-designed, human scale lighting — solutions that improve visibility, guide movement, and provide comfort without overwhelming the space.
Effective pathway lighting:
- Improves visibility to reduce trips and falls
- Deters crime by removing dark hiding spots
- Enhances wayfinding and spatial awareness
- Encourages greater use of public spaces after dark
Whether it's a bustling city square or a quiet residential cut-through, lighting has the power to transform how a place feels and functions.
FIVE CONSIDERATIONS FOR LIGHTING PATHWAYS
Choosing the right lighting solution requires balancing technical standards with human experience. Here are five key factors Local Authorities should prioritise when planning or upgrading pathway lighting:
1. Visual Comfort & Safety
Minimising shadows and dark spots is essential. Lighting should achieve uniform coverage along the full length of a path, especially at curves, junctions and changes in elevation. It should improve visibility without glare. Look for luminaires that distribute light effectively, keeping it on the path and away from pedestrians' direct line of sight.
2. Appropriate Light Levels
The EN 13201-1 standard recommends a horizontal illuminance of between 0.6 to 5 lx for pathways. Even light distribution with minimal contrast helps pedestrians feel safe and see clearly.
3. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
With pressure on both budgets and carbon targets, energy-efficient performance is a must. This goes beyond LED sources to include the luminaire’s ability to direct light precisely and minimise waste. Choose luminaires that combine low power consumption with long lifespans, robust construction, and minimal maintenance — delivering long-term value while supporting environmental goals.
4. Human Scale Design
Lighting should be appropriate to its users. In areas where people walk, sit or gather, low to mid-height lighting contributes to a sense of intimacy, visibility, and psychological safety. The scale and form of the luminaire should support a welcoming atmosphere without overwhelming the environment.
5. Durability for Outdoor Use
Public realm lighting needs to withstand weather, vandalism, and time. Ensure the fixture is made from corrosion-resistant materials and rated for outdoor use (IP65 or higher).
WHY KREIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU
The Kreis luminaire has been designed to meet all of the above — combining elegant aesthetics with practical performance:
- Modern, minimalist form makes it ideal for parks, pathways, and public squares
- High-performance optic system provides excellent light output with low energy consumption
- Wide beam distribution ensures uniform pathway coverage and improved safety
- Premium materials and engineering for durability and minimal maintenance
- LED efficiency supports sustainability goals without compromising performance
For projects that call for lower-level, human scale lighting, our Corvus bollard luminaires from Heper offer an ideal complement to post-top options — perfect for creating intimacy and guiding pedestrians in more enclosed or landscaped settings.
BRINGING MODERN LIGHTING TO THE PUBLIC REALM
Through our exclusive partnership with Heper, CU Phosco offers a carefully curated portfolio of architectural post-top and bollard luminaires, engineered for the UK’s public realm. From functional performance to aesthetic integration, we help Local Authorities deliver safe, efficient, and attractive lighting for their communities.
To explore the full Kreis range please visit: https://www.cuphosco.com/produ...