Abstract: A safety gate includes an anchoring bracket for anchoring the safety gate to an immovable structure adjacent to a passageway to be gated by the safety gate, and a safety bar pivotally connected to the bracket such that the safety bar can pivot between a closed position, wherein the safety bar is substantially horizontal to obstruct the passageway, and an open position, wherein the safety bar is substantially vertical to permit unobstructed passage through the passageway. The safety bar can be adjustable in length to fit various passageways, stairwells or doorways of different widths. The safety gate may also include a lockable spring-loaded pneumatic cylinder to enhance the motion characteristics of the safety bar when raised and lowered, and to enable a user to lock the safety bar in any desired posture.