Created as a catwalk that is large enough to accommodate people but not most forms of livestock, a kissing gate is commonly used on farms, ranches, and other facilities that house animals.
A pedestrian gate is a gate that is designed to inhibit pedestrian access or to allow pedestrians to pass through a wall or other barrier in a controlled manner through the gate. The gate design is usually narrow enough that people in vehicles cannot pass through it, although pedestrian gates may allow bicycles through, depending on how they are designed. Pedestrian doors are used around the world in a variety of settings, from home patios to train stations.
Pedestrian gates can be used as a form of crowd control.
A classic form of pedestrian gate is a gate set in a fence or wall to allow people to pass through. For example, many houses in cities are surrounded by fences for privacy and security, with a pedestrian gate at the end of the driveway to allow visitors to enter. This door can be opened with a simple latch or it can be locked, in which case visitors need a key or someone must activate the door remotely to allow entry.
Pedestrian gates are also sometimes located on fences surrounding agricultural areas. In this case, some people install what is known as a “Kissing Gate”. Kissing gates allow people through but keep livestock out. The idea behind such a gate is that a normal hinged pedestrian gate could be left ajar by a careless pedestrian, allowing cattle to free themselves. A kissing gate requires no action on the part of the people passing by to keep the pack at bay.
Pedestrian gates can be seen in many areas where access is controlled. Public transportation stations, for example, often use a form of pedestrian gate known as a turnstile. Turnstiles allow one person to pass through at a time, with a design that remains locked until someone inserts a passage, plug, or passage, at which point the turnstile opens enough to allow one person through before reclosing. close. Turnstiles are also used on buses, concerts, and other places where crowd control may be important.
In some cases, the pedestrian door is low, classically at hip height. The gate acts as a barrier, but one can simply jump over the gate if necessary. Other pedestrian gates are taller, designed to prevent people from jumping out. This style can be used when security is a major concern or when the area behind the door is private and the designer does not want people to be able to see over the door.