LED Street Light Research Project

There is an established link between exposure to bright lights
at night and cancer rates, particularly breast cancer (melatonin
production is disrupted, leading to excess estrogen which in turn
promotes tumor growth).
› Age-related equity
Aging is a major equity factor that is given little consideration. As
people age their eyesight diminishes and glare becomes an even
more serious problem. Seniors require more light for basic tasks
of daily living than those in their twenties or thirties. Glare can be
dangerous and is often blinding to seniors when confronted with
street lighting that shines directly into one’s eyes. Lighting standards
should follow “universal design” principles and be equitable
to all persons, no matter their age. Designing comfortable and
adequate street lighting for elderly drivers and pedestrians would
provide equitable street lighting for all persons.
› Spatial equity
Not all business districts are similarly lit. This is more a function
of availability than a deliberate plan. In most locations, the City
of Pittsburgh does not own the street lighting poles and leases
Duquesne Light Company utility poles for that purpose. The
amount of street lighting is dependent on the number and spacing
of utility poles whether they are in commercial, industrial, or
residential areas. Utility pole spacing is further apart in residential
neighborhoods and is often located in alleys as well as streets.
The number of utility poles in a specific location is more a function
of the density and intensity of use and electrical load. Denser
locations, such as Downtown or intensely developed commercial
areas, require more utility poles and thus offer the opportunity for
more street lighting fixtures. Inequality results, with small neighborhood
business districts receiving less street lighting than dense
commercial districts.
September 2011
Fortunately, many of the business district streets have been
improved, often with new sidewalks, street furniture, signage,
street trees, and street lighting. New, free-standing light poles and
light fixtures have replaced the utility pole lights. At Downtown
intersections, new shoebox light fixtures have been located atop
30’ high signal poles. Outside of Downtown, new teardrop light
fixtures often replace former cobra heads atop new 25’ high poles
and acorn light fixtures are often installed along the sidewalk
atop new 15’ high poles. Often pole and light fixture spacing is
changed for more even spacing, more even illumination, and more
intensity. Funders of these business district improvements may be
the City or the Urban Redevelopment Authority through community
development block grants. Often well-organized local business
associations will lobby for improvements. Business districts
without strong business or political strength may be bypassed in
improvements.
Pittsburgh LED Street Light Research Project 65