A retractable bollard system for installation in a support surface that includes pavement includes a shell that when installed in the support surface extends below an upper surface of the pavement. The bollard system includes a post to be telescopically coupled to the shell. The post is axially movable relative to the shell selectively to an upper area and a lower area. The post extends farther above the shell when the post is in the upper area than when the post is in the lower area. The bollard system further includes a shock absorber to encircle the shell. The shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.