Some barriers a fussy as to they think they should protect. The mode of thinking is aimed solely at protecting motorists, and to Hell with pedestrians (the most vulnerable in our society).
One can see that the barrier below might prevent a vehicle from going down a bank, but its very presence increases danger for pedestrians, and it need not have done.
Pedestrians would a barrier such as this to be really intimidating.
The barrier on the right here (handrailing) is designed to protect pedestrians at a roundabout. BUT, it is not necessarily popular with cyclists, on or off the road. Handrailing prevents cyclists from accessing the kerb, and it can snag handlebars.
It is not clear, at this location, whether or not cyclists should stick to the road or carry on, on the pavement using it as assumed "Shared use"; it is signed as a route into the town centre. Ideally what is needed is a separate bridge over the River Stour for cyclists.
They just don't think!
