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Humans argue about a lot of things, but if there’s one thing we’re consistent about, it’s this: we don’t like unnecessary effort. When something feels overcomplicated, we’ll often, whether we realize it or not, look for the easier way out.

That shared instinct often shows up as desire paths, the unofficial trails people create by repeatedly taking the most convenient shortcut. There’s even an entire subreddit dedicated to this phenomenon, and below you’ll find some of the latest posts from it. Funny how nothing gets us on the same page faster than a shared “nope.”

#1

My Dog's Desire Path, Even 10 Years After He's Gone

Desire path through a fence in a grassy yard illustrating how people walk in reality versus city planning.

Scion_of_Perturabo Report

Laszlo Larthlanc
Community Member
2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why can't they live as long as we do, like the Daemons in The Golden Compass? I still have my best dog's collar from 40 years ago, and my eyes fill up every time I look at it hanging there on its hook by the kitchen door. She was most definitely my BFF. I know that some would criticize me and tell me to just let go, but I really loved that girl, and she really loved me. She made it to 14, but no amount of time would have been long enough if she could have stayed healthy and happy. I'm not a religious person, but I hope she's sitting patiently on the far side of the Rainbow Bridge, tail wagging slowly, just waiting for me to quit messing around here and come to her.

Stacie-LZ
Community Member
1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had to put my son's dog down yesterday. I gave her to my son as a birthday gift when he was 13. He's 28 now so she has been with him for more than half his life. She got cancer and it was wreaking havoc in her tiny body. He held her as the medication took affect. It was heart wrenching. This is part of owning an animal that is so hard

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Mrs Irish Mom
Community Member
2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Walk his path every day to remember him forever

Crystalwitch60
Community Member
13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

❤️❤️❤️❤️

WubiDubi
Community Member
2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The recent snow has shown driving desire paths and how pavements (/sidewalks) can be much bigger. Room for plants, bike parking, seating, all sorts.

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    #2

    Desire Path Goat?

    Aerial view of desire paths at Ohio State University showing how city planning aligns with natural walking routes.

    Joe-Ferriss Report

    David
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the idea was proposed by an economic professors who said economic principles of people finding their own max effiencies would lead to the best paths. GMU and a few other universities did this as well

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why don't landscape architects ever take the next logical step of leaving the pathways out of the plan and paving the paths we wear into the landscape. Alternatively, it shouldn't be that hard to figure in advance and the architects could have adapted decades if not centuries ago. We want direct paths from door to door with the width of the path established by traffic.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because it doesn't look as purdy.

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    Kelsey Schilling
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fairly common. I believe Notre Dame did this too.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now THIS is intelligent design.

    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would hate to be the person to mow that. Also either Michigan state or university of Michigan did the samething.

    Sue User
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The mower would just do the whole rectangle and drive over the oaths. They don't mow each triangle separately.

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    #3

    Viscardigasse Is A Street In Munich With A Path Paved In Bronze To Honor Those Who Took It To Avoid Having To Do The Salute

    Narrow desire path marked by worn stones curving through cobblestone street between city buildings and archway ahead.

    ChoiceMycologist Report

    TMTMTMTM
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "because locals could use it to bypass the nearby N**i memorial to the martyrs of the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch, thus avoiding the requirement to perform a Hitler salute to the guarded structure"

    StretcherBearer
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Give the maga folks a chance and we'll be forced to salute Charlie Kirks memorial he's their putsch martyr🤮

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    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Small acts of defiance are better than no acts of defiance

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not dancing a single beat in a certain ballroom, either.

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    olaff 422
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Boo on censoring Nàzī. I'm absolutely not pro-Nåżî, but that's not an N word we should hide. We actually need to know who they are, especially because they're back here in Murkkka.

    No matter how neatly the sidewalk is paved by a bus stop or how lush the grass looks in a park, it rarely stops people from carving out their own desire paths anyway. And once you spot one right in front of you, chances are you’ll take it too, instead of sticking to the route someone else planned. In fact, it apparently takes as few as fifteen trips across an unpaved stretch for a desire path to start forming, and after that, it’s basically a done deal.

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    #4

    Do Non Human Desire Paths Count?

    Cat walking on a desire path worn in grass, showing how people create unofficial routes in urban planning.

    koki1235 Report

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's often how they get started in the first place.

    Kiki Likes Sweets
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A well used cat track 🐈🐈🐈

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gotta support the wildlife, in all it's forms.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you think there are no paths without humans or something? That's how you hunt, you follow animal pths.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They actually count more than humans far far more ❤️

    #5

    This Person Turned A Desire Path To KFC Into California's Shortest Hiking Trail

    Green trail sign for Chicken Little Trail next to a worn desire path cutting through a grassy field in an urban area.

    Instagram user matterneuroscience spotted an urban desire path that led to a KFC in an urban area in North Auburn California.
    In an act of civic silliness, they named the 0.05 mile trail the Chicken Little Trail, put up an official-looking trail marker, and then informed Google Maps of its existence.

    mindful-bed-slug , www.instagram.com Report

    JL
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guy on the sign should have a chicken bucket.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So that's how they cross the road! In a KFC bucket.

    zatrisha
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's exactly how I imagine hiking in the USA

    Jesha
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really love humans sometimes.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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    #6

    The People Yearn For A Sidewalk

    Desire path worn on grass beside sidewalk and road, showing how people walk differently from city planning pathways.

    Realistic-Farmer6792 Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fair, this is not a road that looks pedestrian friendly

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why, because it doesn't have a sidewalk?

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    Trashy Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why? They have a perfectly good desire path.

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    We’ve probably been doing this for ages, but the term is often traced to French philosopher Gaston Bachelard, who wrote about “lignes de désir” in his 1958 book The Poetics of Space, according to The Guardian.

    Nature author Robert Macfarlane has also written about what these informal shortcuts reveal about us. In his 2012 book The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot, Macfarlane calls them “elective easements” and says: “Paths are human; they are traces of our relationships.”

    #7

    If Not Path, Then Why Path-Shaped?

    Desire path worn on grass with a sign stating this is not a walkway, showing how people walk in reality versus city planning.

    Jeffmaster223 Report

    George Costanza
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anything is a walkway if you walk on it.

    Robert T
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Must be, as it's clearly not a runway. ;-)

    Paul C.
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think you will find, it is.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The sign is broken.

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would really make much more sense to pave it than put up that sign.

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sheriff parks there to scare off the criminal trespassers.

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    #8

    People Said No To This Speed Bump

    Desire paths created by pedestrians alongside planned city bike lanes and sidewalks in an urban neighborhood.

    stxxyy Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that seriously a bicycle speed bump? Never seen one before, probably because it doesn't look snowplow compatible.

    G.T. van Middendorp
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the Netherlands we have bicycle highways; meant to travel by bike quickly. Especially e-bikes and fatbikes can reach fast speeds. Very rarely will you encounter a speedbump like this, but when you do see them they are there to slow you down a bit because of something like a playground or an upcoming sharp turn or crossing or something

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    Purple light
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live very close to this one. It is in Amsterdam Zuidoost (South East)

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They do probably slow a bit, so mission sorta accomplished.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks dangerous tbh , go people keep voting with your wheels

    CorgiButts
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, public works hates whoever decided this was necessary

    Unicorn
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For drainage, but they seem quite unnecessary.

    Jesha
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah because eff the disabled.

    Kirsten Kerkhof
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are perfectly fine when you are cycling at a normal speed. And if you think this is a sidewalk, you are clearly not Dutch. Red = dead.

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    #9

    Wish I Could See What The View Is Like From Up There!

    A desire path cutting diagonally across a grassy hill beside a paved staircase under a cloudy sky.

    WilliamAEden Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Human sacrifices this way ↗️

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    BYOK - Bring Your Own Knife

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    Ece Cenker
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Walking the unbeaten path to the top...or something.

    Trashy Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They put the stairs to not ruin the view with a path 🙄

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t wanna go that way !, I’m going ↗️that way thanks it’s quicker !

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    Depending on who you ask, they also go by “desire lines,” especially in transportation and planning circles. And they’ve picked up plenty of nicknames, too, like “cow paths,” “social trails,” and even “elephant trails,” per The New Yorker. The names may differ, but the message stays the same: “This is where we actually go.”

    #10

    View From My Office Building

    Aerial view of city desire paths crossing a park, showing how people walk differently from planned sidewalks in urban areas.

    iKONIC-ONCE Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Might as well make those official and pave them, they all seem to lead somewhere

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Charlotte Ingle: but why not leave it unpaved? I'd rather natural ground be left in that state. If it gets muddy when wet - well then, take the long way round.

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    Bored Seb
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i love how desired path are still not straight :)

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "... The rolling English drúnkárd made the rolling English road..."

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    #11

    Yeah That Wasn't Gonna Happen

    Curved concrete pathways winding through landscaped urban area with sparse trees, illustrating desire paths in city planning.

    Ok_Imagination_6130 Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand what the plan was.where there supposed to be trees in the loops?

    Steven Freund
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These designs are usually meant for wheelchair accessibility or weaker walkers; reduces the degree of slope, which the able-bodied naturally don't have the patience for.

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    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The sidewalks by my work do this. Impossible to walk normally on, forget having to pass others going the opposite direction

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's more than a bit silly, what were they hoping to accomplish?

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When the boss orders too much cement? This was laid out by people who only walk at a meandering pace and have all day to get there.

    Bob Brooce
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hard to tell from the perspective, but something about the picture makes me think it goes downhill. If it does the curves might be to reduce the pitch.

    Zero Costa
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nope! it's a median in a carpark from the look of it

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    Trashy Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Form over function

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🤣🤣🤣yes master.

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    #12

    It Would Be Easier To Move The Crosswalk Instead

    Desire paths worn through grass by pedestrians ignoring city sidewalk and crossing street where no crosswalk exists.

    franferns Report

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because a crosswalk forces drivers to stop and pay attention, and when they do not and the pedestrian is injured or k1ll3d, it's the fault of the crosswalk.

    olaff 422
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's why we have speedbumps and flashing lights. Imagine building a world for humans and not cars and then blaming the peds.

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This sort of sign is to protect liability. They can't really stop pedestrians from crossing there short of building a wall. This preserves their ability to say that they provided a warning and the accident victim chose to proceed. I can't really blame them, you could buy thousands of signs for the cost of one lost liability lawsuit.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Additionally, safety teams rarely have the budget to fix things. This could have been the most they could afford.

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    Bob Brooce
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would be really useful to know how much the crosswalk is offset from the path on the other side, and if it lines up to another path.

    Marie
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And also what's on the left side of the picture. Is there a reason to have the crosswalk away from something maybe ?

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    Robert T
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not enough context from this photo. It could be that this is not a suitable site for a crossing. In the UK we would put barriers along the edge of the road to protect pedestrians and force them to use the designated crossing point. Or just trust them to cross on their own, but this looks like 4 lanes, so it would at least need a central island.

    catherine llewellyn
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the UK we just walk across the road where we want

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    At their simplest, desire paths are trails worn into the ground by repeated footsteps, usually because they offer a faster way through. You’ll spot them cutting across grass in parks, slicing corners on campuses, or appearing next to sidewalks where the official route takes one extra turn too many. At their most interesting, though, they raise a bigger question about our habits and why we keep making them wherever we go.

    #13

    Officially Recognized Now

    Desire paths showing how people walk in reality beside a planned concrete sidewalk with a hiking trail sign.

    Nice desired path on the UCF campus; after spring break, this sign popped up.

    carson111000 Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It might say "15 ft" at the bottom but "0.002 miles" makes it funnier.

    WeeBitOfSumfin
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet it's the same person as from the Little Chicken

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    #14

    There's A Guy At The Park Who Does Tai Chi So Much He Left A Ring In The Ground

    Circular desire path worn in grass near tree in a park, illustrating how people walk in reality versus city planning.

    sirhoracedarwin Report

    Jan Rosier
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that is actually impressive perseverance !

    #15

    The Amount Of Time Saved By This One Is Insane

    A desire path cutting diagonally across a grassy hill beside an urban road and underpass showing real pedestrian routes.

    AdOtherwise655 Report

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely well enough worn to make this a paved walkway.

    April Pickett
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Steps and controlled drainage would be helpful.

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    Some researchers see desire paths as a sign that pedestrians can’t or won’t follow the routes laid out for them. One academic journal even says they “record collective disobedience.” Others interpret them in a simpler way: less as rebellion and more as practicality, since they usually mark the quickest or most convenient way to reach a destination.

    #16

    Desire Path Made Official

    Side-by-side images showing desire paths and paved paths outside a PanVel store, illustrating city planning versus actual walking.

    DownDeep99 Report

    Na Schi
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Almost well done, only the steps are disappointing as they exclude people with mobility issues.

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They still have the option to use the pre-existing path with no steps.

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    #17

    It’s Beautiful

    Aerial view of a city showing numerous desire paths where people walk off planned streets and sidewalks.

    Nientea Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a sign of I sufficient sidewalks.

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Charlotte Ingle: it's a sign of no paved roadways at all from the look of it. OP says it's Malanville, Benin.

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    Antoinette the Red
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I prefer this over a sea of manicured lawns. Gives the impression that there are actual people living in the neighborhood, going off to school or work, maybe even visiting a neighbor.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so organic looking because it is.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We really ARE a lzy species.

    Daniel
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not really a "desire path" when there are no paved streets 🤔

    Hassel Davidhoff
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is a place called Malanville, near the River N***r.

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    #18

    Informally Called The "Kitty Highway", The Neighborhood Cat Trail Through Our Yard Was Near Invisible Until First Snowfall

    Desire path curving through snowy grass in a residential neighborhood showing how people walk in reality.

    japanther22 Report

    Norma
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a beautiful place. Where is it?

    Rodriquez
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Since they didn't post this here, and they posted it a year ago on Reddit. You're not going to get an answer. Some people on this site reckon you already know that though.

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    That, in turn, can point to flaws in a city’s design, meaning walkways weren’t built where they needed to be, and desire paths end up revealing the mismatch. That’s why many places pay attention to where people naturally walk, then adjust their layouts later. Kurt Kohlstedt notes this in a piece for 99% Invisible.

    #19

    Very Pronounced Desire Path At My School

    A visible desire path cutting diagonally across a grassy area between buildings, showing how people walk in reality.

    No-Wash-7001 Report

    Paul C.
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if the powers that be, have noticed the bollards at either end, really aren't doing what they hoped for.

    Lily bloom
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    By "bollards" do you mean "traffic cones"?

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    IYAAYAS64
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish they’d ID the locations. Pretty sure I’ve been here

    #20

    Path Through The Great Wall Of China

    Desire paths visible as worn shortcuts cutting through the Great Wall of China showing real walking routes versus city planning.

    good_hugs Report

    Barong
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Were they Chinese workers or was it a Mongol horde?

    HF
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First the workers, and then the horde

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    Trashy Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Somebody got in big trouble for that

    ohjojo (you/your's)
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read it was a construction crew trying to save a little time by not going around.

    #21

    A Desire Path So Desired That It's Recognized By Google

    Desire path cutting across grass beside paved walkway near urban area and railway infrastructure in city.

    ChrisAvent Report

    Unicorn
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Somebody's hidden the bicycle repair station (which in any case is correctly spelled Reparatur).

    azubi
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aren't words sometimes spelt differently in Austria?

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Must be a popular restaurant!

    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *May* have something to do with the station rather than the restaurant.

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    Trashy Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think Google finds these paths by tracking where we walk

    olaff 422
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder what that restaurant is.

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure it deserves the recognition!

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    In Finland, for example, he writes that city officials document where people walk in parks after the first snowfall of the year, then use that data in their trail planning. Similarly, a number of educational institutions, including Virginia Tech and the University of California, Berkeley, have reportedly waited to see which routes students, faculty, and staff take regularly before deciding where to pave additional pathways across campus. Pretty cool, right?

    #22

    Does A Path Created By Ants Count?

    Narrow desire path worn through grass near tree, showing how people walk differently than city planning intended.

    lardladd Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I spent a delightful afternoon watching an entire nest of ants move, eggs and all. They came in the front door, neatly hiked single file through the house, and went out the crack in the back wall. I felt strangely honored to watch the procession.

    TACO Don's Authentic TexMex
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ants aren't very good people though. You know who are terrible people? Horses. Horses are terrible people

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure, ants have desires. Boy, do they have desires!

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES yes they very much do x

    Louise
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Follow the ant overlords!

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    #23

    Desire Path Through The Hedge

    A desire path created through heavy green bushes in a parking lot, showing how people walk differently than planned.

    deryclem Report

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well thru seemed easier than over so 🤷‍♀️

    Lily bloom
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im curious what the parking lot is really for and why f***y cars are parked over there in Narnia

    Sue User
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lots of parking lots in USA are like this. No way to get from one parking area in front of a business to another. I see medical offices do this. Gives the illusion that the office is in secluded setting rather than just one office among many in a strip mall area.

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    #24

    Who Would’ve Thought That People Have To Go To Zebra Crossings

    A paved city walkway next to a worn dirt desire path showing how people walk in reality.

    Status_Procedure7312 Report

    Sunshine
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have never heard a crosswalk called a zebra crossing! Didn't know what it meant at first, and then it clicked.

    Steve Goodwin
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the UK we then decided to stick with animal names for road crossings, so we have Pelican: (Pedestrian Light INdicator) Red/green man, push button, flashing amber. Puffin: (Pedestrian User-Friendly INtelligent) Cameras, lights near button, better timing. Toucan: For pedestrians & cyclists (two can cross). Pegasus: For horse riders; high button box.

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    Trashy Panda
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How do these people even get jobs as city designers?

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    At the same time, desire paths aren’t always harmless. In nature areas, repeated off-trail travel can create visible tracks, damage vegetation, and encourage even more people to follow the same line.

    Leave No Trace guidance specifically recommends spreading out when traveling off-trail so you don’t create a brand-new route that others will copy, and the U.S. National Park Service also emphasizes dispersing use in pristine areas to prevent new trails from forming.

    So while desire paths can be funny and even wholesome in cities, in fragile landscapes the kindest choice is often to resist the shortcut for once.

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    #25

    Desire Path Around A Roundabout In My City

    Aerial view of a roundabout showing desire paths where people walk outside planned sidewalks in urban design.

    CloudetteMist Report

    Heffalump
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is such dumb design. If they had paved the desire path and put in a 'T' juction in the middle to cross the outer road they could have replaced 2 crossings with 1 and reduced the total amount of paving.

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heffalump: this looks like a variation on an intelligent design that makes things safer and more convenient for pedestrians and cyclists - developed in the Netherlands, if I recall correctly. I've read the explanation on-line somewhere. This one is apparently Rondo Jana Pawła located in Zielona Góra, Poland. The "desire paths" are the four routes that connect the four motor vehicle entrances/exits around the roundabout. If anything about it looks wrong to a casual observer, that's probably because the casual observer doesn't know about all the issues that had to be considered when designing this particular junction, and the compromises that those issues resulted in. When you build something like this, there's a good reason for every design decision. Well, mostly. Hopefully? 😬

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    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The desire paths are the small brownish lines next to the roundabout, leading from crossing to crossing. Apparently the one in the bottom is used least.

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    #26

    People Walking On The Grass Because Of The Huge Uncomfortable "Gravel" Used

    Desire path in a park showing how people choose routes over paved city planning paths.

    Leestons Report

    JL
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I also prefer to finish a walk with my ankles still intact.

    geezeronthehill
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is almost ballast grade gravel. Way too coarse.

    Sue User
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Part of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania is like this.

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    #27

    Desirestaircase?

    Grass desire paths formed by foot traffic cutting across sloped lawns beside paved roads in urban area.

    Rango_4 Report

    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If there is a easier but a longer way around, I would take that route at my age.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now that looks dangerous in snow n rain eek

    #28

    McDonald's Tried To Fight It But After A Few Years Went With It

    Side-by-side images of a McDonald's with worn desire paths indicating how people walk versus planned city pathways.

    AzerimReddit Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How did they fight it? Were there swords?

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Knowing McD’s more likely there were lawyers

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    #29

    The People Have Spoken

    Desire path formed through grass and rocks beside a paved sidewalk showing how people walk in reality.

    ILoveMyHoneybear Report

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How else could you get around the parked car? Climb over the hood?

    #30

    The Bikes Don't Want To Take The Long Way Around

    Aerial view of desire paths cutting through a green area beside a curved city bike path, showing urban planning vs reality.

    Nuzzylockhart Report

    M M
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess there's height difference and the desire paths are for the pedestrians

    John Dilligaf
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you look at the site on google streetview you'll see that the bike path goes up a steep embankment. The area where the blue line is is significantly higher than the bottom right corner.

    Verena
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Check Streetview at the junction "Oude Vleutenseweg" and "Kanaalzichtlaan" - near Stadsbrouwerij Roodnoot in Utrecht, NL. The reason for this layout is selfexplanatory.

    Laszlo Larthlanc
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What was even the point of making this path so ridiculously long?

    John Dilligaf
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it's a hill, or more correctly an embankment. The area where the blue line is is significantly higher than the bottom right corner.

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    Slap Shot
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The path of least resistance.

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our paved rail/trail here in Michigan has several spots where trees have heaved the pavement. Desire paths in each location, to keep you from wiping out as some are decieving.

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bicyclists aren't race car drivers who enjoy going around tight corners

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    #31

    The Desire Was Strong

    Worn desire path through grass shows how people walk despite fencing and city planning barriers.

    iBeatYouOverTheFence Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah, once there is a fence, people should go around

    Sue User
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spotted the American. Doesn't understand existing right of way.

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    #32

    Not Taking The Stairs

    Desire path cutting diagonally across grass hill beside pedestrian stairs and modern buildings in an urban setting.

    KnifeKnut Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's my kind of path, I hate stairs.

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't do stairs. But even with my cane I could manage that slope.

    Sue User
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tough choice with arm braces. Rickety stairs or possibly too steep slope. Probably would chose slope and go up sideways.

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    Purple light
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also near me (Amsterdam Zuidoost) I use the stairs because I need a bannister to hold onto, but they are scary squeaky metal stairs.

    Slap Shot
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Paving the path would have been cheaper.

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    #33

    The Stray Cats Have Walked A Little Path In Our Backyard

    A narrow desire path worn through grass along a wooden fence showing how people walk in reality.

    cucumbercoast Report

    Missy 90
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Has the cat distribution service chosen you but you have been ignoring it?

    Epona
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe they have cat allergies. Or aren't allowed to have pets.

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    #34

    I Don't Think People Are Listening

    Desire path worn through grass showing how people walk despite city planning and signage restricting access.

    98570 Report

    Panda McPandaface
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The more they do this, the more tempting it is to say F it.

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ofc not you silly goose, that's a curb

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But it DOES lead directly onto a bike lane

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    #35

    Fun Sign At A School Trying To Abolish, Terminate, And End A Desire Path

    Desire path worn through grass despite sign asking people not to walk on the new grass in an urban park setting.

    jsoliloquy Report

    Caffeinated Ape
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like gambolling is still approved!

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like the Fremen I shall sandwalk.

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grass is dumb on school grounds. Try other low-growing plants to stabilize the ground, and you wouldn't need to mow

    Sue User
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The up front cost of low growing plants is probably cost prohibited.

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    Manny
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They'll just make a new path on either side of it and start a new one

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    #36

    Bike Desire Path In The Netherlands

    Desire path worn on grassy slope beside city stairs showing how people walk versus planned routes in urban areas.

    Papa_rainze Report

    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who plans stairs in a public space in the *Netherlands* and doesn't account for bikers?

    Nizumi
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not a desire path, people don't ride their bikes up or down it. It's the track left from wheeling their bikes beside them when they go up or down the stairs.

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    #37

    Desire Paths Connecting A Suburban Neighborhood To The Strip Mall Next To It In The Mojave

    Aerial view of desire paths cutting across open land beside a residential neighborhood, illustrating city planning vs real walking routes.

    idapitbwidiuatabip Report

    geezeronthehill
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No! You're supposed to get in your car and drive to the mall!

    nm
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is the meaning of "strip" (get undressed/uncovered) in the strip mall?

    Helen Edwards
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it refers to the other meaning of strip, a long narrow piece of something, which probably references how the shops in a strip mall are in a strip.

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    #38

    Desire Path Made Into A Real Path!

    Person walking on a wet desire path made of stones next to a sidewalk, illustrating how cities plan versus actual pedestrian routes.

    TedTheRedMan Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder how long it took to accomplish that?

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The compliance with a desire path is going to be off the scale. it makes so much sense to make them official (barring important reasons that necessitate hard barriers)

    Sue User
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Might be because of ADA ( in USA ). Some places take the reasonable to extreme. Example. Where I used to live, on a street behind a strip mall, there were no sidewalks. I am handicapped and one walked with arm braces. I asked the city about sidewalks. To build the sidewalks, to follow the guidelines of so much green spaces between road and sidewalk and having to make the sidewalk really wide, they would need to take 10-15 ft of everyone's yard. As a handicapped person, I would rather have something, even if it isn't ideal than nothing.

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    #39

    Path Of Ice Shows Where People Used To Walk

    Snow forming a desire path on a green sports field, illustrating how people walk differently than city plans predict.

    StrategyExpensive969 Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Goats will do this but what's missing is that they also drop 'nannyberries' continually. So what you really wind up with in the spring is a long, narrow ice and pooop lasagna that's the last thing to melt.

    Kenneth Smith
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Truthfully, fields used for athletic competition really do need to be off limits for the safety of the athletes.

    #40

    Brussels University

    Desire path worn through grass in a city park, blocked off by tape and a sign, showing how people walk versus planned paths.

    eating-pasta Report

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What do they think is going to happen?

    visacrum
    Community Member
    12 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can already see it happening, looks like a new desire path is starting to the side.

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    Chocolate llama
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you want 2 or more paths? Because this is how you get 2 or more paths

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Notice the emerging desire paths on either side.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can actually see the new path. Idjits.

    Julie S
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would have lots of fun stepping over these.

    tee-lena
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I carry a knife. I would have lots of fun cutting these😁

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    #41

    Slovakia (Allegedly)

    Grass desire paths cutting through paved city walkways in an urban residential area showing practical pedestrian routes.

    OrbitalChiller Report

    Danielle
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They built one exactly like this on my estate, newly built. No flower bed, just a mound of grass. I have no.idea why and it if course had a desire path through the middle.

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    nm
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably they were planning to install a statue of some party member, but the regime fall immediately after.

    MarieL
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did the forget to place the statue in the center?

    CorgiButts
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once upon a time there was probably a statue or fountain.

    #42

    Classic American No-Sidewalk Desire Path

    Worn desire path beside a city road showing how people walk differently than planned sidewalks and streets.

    artofminde Report

    Sally-Ann
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Australia we call 'sidewalks' footpaths and there's no better example of why than this.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You guys do realize that until the 1960s it was unusual to have paved sidewalks unless you lived in a city, right?

    Robin Roper
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But it's now 2026 so sidewalks should be put in where sidewalks are needed.

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    #43

    Nobody Could Plan For This

    Desire path cutting across grass near a modern glass building showing how people walk differently from city planning.

    trailbob Report

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmm, I think I'll walk 30 feet down the sidewalk to the break in the hedge in order to turn right 90 degrees then left 90 degrees so I can follow directions some city engineer decided

    #44

    Who Would Want To Walk 200m Extra

    Desire paths visibly formed through grass next to hedges in a city parking lot illustrating how people walk in reality.

    LarsMans Report

    Serena Myers
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Humans and animals, all creatures, follow the easiest and quickest path.

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    #45

    Why Should I Go Left, If I Need To Go Right?

    Desire paths next to a paved sidewalk near railroad tracks showing how cities plan versus how people walk in reality

    eleask Report

    Anna Kraszewska
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ohhh bieżanów. I love this right turn!

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well actually neither is really safe to cross, there's no crossing arms to bar you from oncoming trains

    Verena
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See the red/white vertical poles? When horizontal, they block the paved path

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    #46

    You Can't Stop Them

    A desire path cuts through grass, showing how people walk instead of following the city’s planned walkway.

    Ceramique_nl Report

    Sportsgal
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again...walk around lame bars...

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How nice to add a hurdle bar for added exercise

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the desire path around it is already visible.

    Parmeisan
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why?? It's so ugly. Just let the people have their path.

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    #47

    My And The Other Cats From The House Made A Desirepath Over The Years

    Desire paths in a snowy backyard showing how people create informal walkways through grass around trees and garden structures.

    It‘s fascinating to see 7 cats adhere to their path.

    Ankarim Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Apparently they are creatures of habit as well.

    #48

    Wow! 🤩 Does This Count? A Paved Desire Path In Tirana, Albania

    Desire path formed by pedestrians crossing a grassy area beside a paved sidewalk in an urban setting.

    KnifeKnut Report

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    #49

    We’ve Been Betrayed

    Desire paths visible where people walk through a park, bypassing the paved city sidewalk and showing urban planning vs reality.

    ThatSirWaffles Report

    Laserleader
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They start and end the poles where the pat starts and ends. They just made people take another step to the left to go around it.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, the grass at the bottom of that tree's trunk will be the next to go.

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    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pfft. Anyone with normal walking ability can go right over that, surely? - put a foot on the rail, up and over, no worries. The rubbish bin gives a good idea of the rather low height. Hmm. Okay, maybe people shorter than my average-for-a-man height might disagree. Still, small children will either duck under or have fun climbing or leaping over.

    Sue User
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And again, the cost of the block was probably more than gravel.

    #50

    Best Thing To Prevent Desire Path

    City park showing desire paths where people walk off planned sidewalks, illustrating urban planning versus real use.

    Few_Cabinet_5644 Report

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    #51

    Why Only One When You Can Have Four?

    Desire paths formed in a city park showing how people walk differently from planned paved sidewalks on a sunny day.

    kapege Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Going traffic, retiring traffic, and the person they were each talking to

    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was thinking Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow & Lion.

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    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any bets each of these got an attempted blocking?

    #52

    Because Walking Above The Path Is More Fun

    Worn desire path alongside a paved sidewalk by a river, showing where people walk instead of city-planned route.

    Pri-The-2nd Report

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    #53

    Not Sure How To Feel About This One

    Desire paths winding through a cemetery, showing how people walk in reality versus city planning.

    Tigga-tigga-tigga Report

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No one is damaging the headstone, and the deceased might have been chuffed to know people stepped aside for them in perpetuity!

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The remaining grass is almost coffin shaped.

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cemeteries are well-known for having shortcuts and desire paths. Lots of cemeteries have hills and sudden dips in the land that really are not maintained, and gravestones do shift from tree roots, so you gotta walk around them. Not so much as extremely isolating this one is, though.

    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now are you a left person or a right person - or maybe into leap frog?

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey they're not walking ON their grave

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    #54

    They Took Our Desire Path :(

    A desire path cutting through green grass in a city park showing how people walk in reality versus planned paths.

    juleslikethejuul Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Surely you're kidding. 😂

    Adam Zad
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am serious. And don't call me Shirley.

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    Panda McPandaface
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's nothing for it - I'm just going to have to go the long way.

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know you can just make another one right?

    Slap Shot
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s where to leave your horse while you are in class.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope. They attempted to block it. Attempted being the key word here.

    #55

    They Think This Will Stop Us

    A desire path worn through grass beside a wooden fence, showing how people walk differently from city planning.

    Axyon09 Report

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spreading a bit of fine gravel onto the muddy path would have been cheaper and made the path safer

    SandraG_lak
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can see why they tried this way. It looks like it may be private property. I wouldn't want people cutting through my yard either.

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    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ...and they get a desire path around the fence.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my former students was a high hurdles champ. She could clear that fence at a slow trot with her eyes shut.

    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Different perspectiv, but the same one as above (currently at #22)

    #56

    Mushrooms Growing A Straight Line To The Sewer

    Grass desire path marked with white stones curves from sidewalk towards street in a suburban neighborhood setting.

    camstarrankin Report

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    #57

    Absolute Unit In Prague

    Desire path cutting through grass in an urban park, showing how people walk differently from city planning paths.

    Tip-Important Report

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    #58

    Humans: Invent Roads. Also Humans: Nah, I Forge My Own Destiny

    A desire path formed on grass alongside a paved walkway with a sign instructing to use the paved path in a city setting.

    Zmiverse-Eth Report

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, now then: see that green Asda sign to the far right? See where it says "Diolch"? That's Welsh for "Thanks". This is in Wales. Putting up a sign that's only in English in Wales pretty guarantees it'll get ignored - Welsh is official in Wales, and Welsh comes first on signs. I mean, not that a sign would work here in any case, but... 🤣 (I"m faintly surprised that someone hasn't done the decent thing with a spray can and obliterated the English-only sign - perhaps that happened next week. I'm English and I don't speak Welsh, but I do sympathise, you know?)

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe it was only the English disobeying?

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    Adam Zad
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please pave the path we purposely made.

    Unicorn
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The paved path appears to end in a fence.

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unicorn: that fence you see is railings between the pavement (sidewalk) and the road. It keeps the traffic away from the pedestrians, and also stops the pedestrians crossing the road right there - they've got to get to the traffic light controlled pedestrian crossing for that (looks like a Puffin crossing to me), which is what the desire path leads them to.

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    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please use your brain when planning walkways.

    Ece Cenker
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please do not close off the end of the so called purpose made paved path, then?

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🎶I am what I am, I am my own special creation....🎶

    Slap Shot
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But it’s going the wrong way!

    Learner Panda
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That would guarantee I would use the desire path.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both paths were created on purpose.

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    #59

    Two Different Desire Paths By Squirrels And Rats. The Park Is Covered By Them. I Think It’s Neat

    Snow-covered desire paths across city parks reveal how people walk differently from planned routes in urban spaces.

    mirxa Report

    #60

    Desire Path In Dutch Is Elephant Path

    A visible desire path worn through grass beside a paved urban sidewalk and metal railings in a residential area.

    DevilDashAFM Report

    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's start a collection: In German it's "Trampelpfad", literally "stomping path". 😀

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Panda McPandaface: 🤣. Yes, but I think the idiom in question comes from the point that "Elephants go where they like and you pretty much can't stop them".

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    #61

    My Trusty Desire Path Is Under Attack. How To Proceed?

    A desire path formed by pedestrians cutting through a blocked sidewalk near parked cars and residential buildings.

    Barbarenspiess Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grasp center pole firmly and yeet it into the nearest shrub. Slide lumber out of left and right poles and hide in shrubbery. Celebrate reopening of desire path.

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mike F: mmm. Me? I'd be tidier about it. Slide the two supporting poles towards the centre of the wooden rail, move neatly to one side to free up the path being careful to keep things standing upright, then stand the centre pole alongside, ensuring everything is in clear sight.

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    Adam Zad
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw nothing (pun most definitely intended)!

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grab right end. Pull 90°. Repeat as needed.

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    #62

    Alternate Network

    Desire path cutting across grass near a city road and underpass, showing how people walk in reality versus planned routes.

    Yarkm13 Report

    Roxy222uk
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In one direction: tributaries. In the other direction: delta

    #63

    Could This Be The Smallest One Ever ???

    Worn desire path visible beside pavement, showing how people walk differently than official city plans.

    No_Monitor_1182 Report

    Julia H
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a mini bike path. Safer than going left of the post just to go right

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is that post there? It's not an old hitching post for horses, what possible purpose does it fill except to note the end of a path, which is dumb

    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are people so lazy that they couldn't take a extra second or two to go around the corner? Apparently so.

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    #65

    Desire Path Blocked With Impermeable Barrier

    Concrete city barrier blocking a paved path with a visible desire path worn through the grass underneath.

    BlueHeron0_0 Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy cow, if only there were some way around it. 🤔

    Panda McPandaface
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't work it out, I'll just have to double back.

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    #66

    The Desire Path Is (Mostly) Official

    Aerial view comparing city desire paths with planned walkways in a landscaped urban green space.

    Outside-World9579 Report

    #67

    I'm Pretty Sure The Homeowners Made This For Themselves

    Desire path cut through a hedge beside a sidewalk showing how people walk differently from city planning.

    Fluffy-Guava-4573 Report

    #68

    At The University I'm At They Decided To Fence Off A Path To Prevent People Going Up It

    A desire path worn through grass behind a wooden fence, showing how people walk differently than planned city paths.

    pinheadlarry12345 Report

    Rusty’scate
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No one can navigate around this fortress

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can already see the beginnings of a new desire path just to the left of the 'fence'.

    SCP 4666
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This path is blocked. Looks like you have to find another way

    Sportsgal
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    UMMMM...they DO realize people can just walk around it, right?

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sportsgal: not just walk around it. When I was at university, I probably would have made a point of vaulting over it, using a hand on the top rail to help. Others would have done too. The thing would have collapsed inside a week. *Drunk* university students would have just kicked the rails off... This barrier is not well thought out.

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    Bookworm
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't worry. The frat guys and/or jocks will be with you shortly to remove this ridiculous "barrier".

    Charlotte Ingle
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is a pretty lame deterrent, but does provide new opportunities for leaning.

    Manny
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like they can't walk around it??

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So stupid if you're goal was to save grass, now you're going to have 2 more paths to the left and right

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    #69

    Does This Count? My Neighbours Cat Likes This Shortcut

    Worn desire path through grass in a residential garden showing how people walk in reality versus city planning.

    Ok-Return7643 Report

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    #70

    Golf Course Trying To Fight The Desire Path

    Person with dog standing by a paved path blocked by barriers, next to a grassy desire path creating an alternate route.

    RainLollo Report

    April Pickett
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    2 paths will be created because the one path is blocked.

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Gee, I wonder where they put a bathroom out here..oh wait.."

    #71

    A Triple!

    Desire paths formed by pedestrians on a grass lawn beside a paved walkway in a suburban neighborhood.

    stxxyy Report

    Unicorn
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would say a vehicle has made that.

    #72

    Some People Would Do Anything To Avoid Stairs

    Two images showing desire paths in a forest where people create shortcuts next to planned gravel stairs.

    Hazzy25 Report

    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes, the steps can be uncomfortably high, and the natural gradient an easier walk. The problem here is that the steps are put in to reduce erosion from walking. Still, things usually work out. We've got stuff like this not very far from me - the scenes look incredibly familiar, but apparently it's in NZ, so actually on the other side of the planet.

    Caffeinated Ape
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh hey, that's NZ. Heh, a quick glance at the original thread confirms. If not this exact trail I've definitely been on ones just like it.

    Norm Gilmore
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could also be overtaking spots. On popular walks the slower walkers on the steps get passed by the faster.

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    #73

    Don't Know If It Counts As Desire Path, But It's Because A Weekly Fruit Stand

    Desire paths crossing a grassy area near a street, showing how people walk differently from planned city paths.

    DownDeep99 Report

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    #74

    Coastal Desire Path

    Desire path worn on grass beside concrete walkway near beach showing how people walk differently from city plans.

    Kitttycataclysmic Report

    #75

    The Cones Tried And Failed

    Concrete urban overpass with paved sidewalk and visible desire path worn into grass alongside it.

    Shorts365 Report

    Bookworm
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually they draw attention to both ends of the desired path raising it's visibility for increased use. That's a win in my book.

    #76

    The Most Unnecessary Desire Path

    Desire paths showing how people walk around obstacles instead of using the planned wooden bridge in a natural urban setting.

    olr1997 Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it was unnecessary, it would never have come into existence.

    M M
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People hate turning 90 degree, it's not even that difficult to design paths with rounded corners 🤷

    laura lee
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably from crowded beach days

    SCP 4666
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Want you gonna do with the one second you saved?

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    #77

    Shaving Those Valuable Seconds Off!

    Desire path cutting through grass beside paved sidewalk showing how people walk differently from city planning design.

    Kolec507 Report

    Blackmoon The Dragon
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people just don't like to go around sharp corners (aka me)

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    #78

    Oh No They Blocked It

    Desire path worn in grass alongside paved walkway near an orange bench in an urban city park area

    nicol9 Report

    KatWitch57
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They're gonna need a bigger bench.

    Ece Cenker
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What they did is they placed seating area in mid foot traffic. Very uncomfortable.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I'm tired enough to need a bench, I'm tired enough to need a shortcut.

    #79

    I Used The Stairs, I Failed You All

    Footpath and desire path in snowy urban area showing how people walk versus city planning in reality.

    Palcikaman Report

    nm
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I suspect the paved part becomes slippery with ice and the people are avoiding it.

    #80

    Little Delta Of Desirepath In Riga

    Desire paths worn in grass show how people walk differently from planned sidewalks in a city intersection on a sunny day.

    ku1ppana Report

    Frans Beekman
    Community Member
    18 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks more like an ypsilon to me 😉

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    #81

    Wollongong, Australia

    Concrete sidewalk beside a worn desire path in a grassy area showing how cities plan versus actual walking routes.

    Kitttycataclysmic Report

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    #82

    Red Harvester Ants Have Created A Desire Path In My Turf

    Narrow desire path worn through artificial grass with scattered dry leaves near a wooden fence.

    ayo4playdoh Report

    Blackmoon The Dragon
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AWWWWW that's so amazing I love it :) go ants!

    #83

    The More Pointless, The Better!

    Desire path worn on grass beside paved city walkway near sports field and trees in an urban park setting.

    SG133722 Report

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    #86

    Snow Revealing My Greatest Desires

    Desire path cutting through snowy park grass showing how people walk differently from city planning in reality.

    Firebrill Report

    #87

    Short-Cutting The School Way

    Desire path cutting across grass between sidewalks in an urban area, showing how people walk despite planned city paths.

    Notdazedbutalright Report

    #88

    Compacted Snow Takes Longer To Melt, Revealing Most Commons Paths Across Plaza

    Aerial view of a city plaza showing desire paths worn through snow where pedestrians walk off the planned sidewalks.

    dnp3 Report

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    #89

    Man Taking A Long Desire Path To Deliver Food In Dubai

    Desire path worn through grass alongside a paved walkway in an urban park with city buildings in the background.

    PixelatedName Report

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    #90

    Cleveland State – The Snow Melts Slower On The Path

    Desire paths visible in snow and grass showing how people walk versus city sidewalk planning in an urban courtyard.

    Lufinator Report

    #91

    Quite The Shortcut From The Official Path

    Desire path worn through grass between two trees leading uphill toward a fence, showing how people walk in reality.

    MontePraMan Report

    #92

    Desired Bike Path

    Desire paths through grassy hill showing how cities plan in theory and how people walk in reality on a cloudy day.

    wolfi_der_wolf Report

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    #93

    Desire Path?

    Desire path worn along black metal fence shows how people walk differently than city planning in a green backyard with a shed.

    NovaElixir Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every dog who has ever patrolled their fence line.

    Rinso The Red
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have this. One of my dogs is part greyhound and RUNS the perimeter. My other dogs try to keep up, but end up rounding out all the corners trying to shave off time.

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    #94

    Corner Lawn

    Desire paths showing how city planning differs from actual pedestrian walking behavior near a sidewalk and bushes.

    pupupeepee Report