What is a Barricade?

The dictionary definition of a barricade is “any barrier that obstructs passage”, however in the crowd control industry the term barricade is typically used to define a rigid, heavy-duty barrier usually made of steel or plastic. This type of barricade is sometimes called a “bike rack barricade”. A barrier is generally considered to be a lighter more flexible item such as a retractable belt stanchion or polyethylene “police tape”. Barricades are used for controlling large crowds most often in outdoor venues. Barriers are typically used indoors and guide rather than control pedestrian flow. The design and manufacturing of barricades is dictated by their use. Being used outdoors for large crowds requires barricades to be manufactured with a high degree of strength to withstand crowd pressure and they must have excellent weatherproofing for permanent outdoor use. Finally, as most crowd control applications are temporary barricades need to be portable as they are set up for specific events and removed afterwards. The constant movement and stacking of barricades is another reason they need robust construction.

Plastic or Steel Barricades

In selecting either plastic or a steel barricade you must consider how the barricade will be used. Plastic offers the advantage of lighter weight making the setting up, taking down and transport of the barricades easer. Steel is heavier and will provide a better barrier for very large crowds and over time will be more durable than plastic.

Barricade Features

When comparing barricade brands before ordering there are features you should consider before making your purchase decisions. Here is a quick guide to the key barricade features.

Welding

In addition to the above features pay particular attention to the welding before making a purchase decision. Be sure that the uprights are fully inserted into the frame before welding as that maximizes the weld strength. The uprights on cheap barricades are often tack welded to the surface of the frame and will break causing the barricade to flex. Similarly, where the frame tube is welded make sure the frame is saddle cut and the tube inserted before welding.

Barricade Accessories

There are several accessories available that improve the versatility of barricade and add branding opportunities.

Barricade Carts
A simple means for transporting and storing barricades. Carts are available with 10, 28 and 30 barricade capacities. Models are designed to be manually pushed or pulled or to be hitched to a forklift for towing.

Swing Gates
Gates provide access through a line of barricades. Attached using the same hook and loop system as the barricades, the gates have a latch that will hold them securely when closed. The small 38” gate provides pedestrian access while the large 79” gate is for vehicle access.

Jackets
Jackets are an ideal way to turn barricades into highly visible billboards. Made from heavy duty vinyl and attached by Velcro flaps, jackets can be custom printed with any logos or branding desired.

Conclusion

Barricades are ubiquitous crowd control products seen everywhere large crowds need guidance and control. Although barricades look the same a closer examination will show a wide variety in specification and build quality. It is well worth the time to look closely at the features listed above when comparing brands. Making an informed choice will result in purchasing a barricade that will give a longer service life and ultimately a lower lifetime cost.

Frequently Asked Barricade Questions