Poles (Bollards) on Paths are a Hazard for Bikes

Poles (technically called bollards) are often placed on bicycle paths at entrances and bridges to keep automobiles off of the bicycle paths. The unintended consequence is to put the bicyclist in danger of crashing into the pole. This type of accident is very common. The poles are especially dangerous for people riding at night (the reflectors are only effective if you have a bright light), for triks, racing wheel chair riders, and people that tow tag-a-longs and/or trailers. The problem of cars driving on bicycle paths is not even a problem that needs solving as I have never known of a case of a car colliding with a bicycle on a bicycle path even though most paths are not "protected" by bollards.

It has also occurred to me that the problem of bicycles crashing into bollards at night could be greatly reduced by mounting flashing LEDs on them. They could be powered by a super capacitor changed up during the day by a solar cell mounted on top. The reason for the capacitor instead of a rechargeable battery would be that it could last virtually forever without replacement.