scope:

The charter of this Lighting Practice (LP) is to provide pedestrian-oriented lighting recommendations for the reassurance, safety, comfort, amenity, and enjoyment of pedestrians in outdoor environments. These recommendations provide a basis for lighting and space design, including the flexibility for application of multiple methods.

The common definition of pedestrian is one who travels on foot. For this LP, the inference is that pedestrians, traveling by foot, make decisions regarding their movements while moving at a pace slower than motorized vehicles. Therefore, the lighting recommendations contained within this document may be extended to any individual traveling in a manner consistent with someone on foot due to the absence of research for non-motorized transportation.

This LP makes recommendations beyond illuminance-which, considered alone, is inadequate as a means of accomplishing the complete visual experience necessary for pedestrian based tasks. Rather, it takes a comprehensive approach and makes recommendations based on zonal light level allowances, glare, adaptation, spectrum, and contrast while addressing safety, timing, and the need for reassurance. Application of these recommendations will ultimately enhance the pedestrian's visual experience while also respecting the environment.

A number of IES Recommended Practice (RP) documents provide recommendations and design guidelines for specific outdoor lighting applications. This document is not intended to supersede those publications. Instead, it supplements the various RPs, augmenting them in subject areas not otherwise addressed.