this post was submitted on 09 Jan 2026
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Desire Paths
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Desire paths Desire paths can be paths created as a consequence of erosion caused by human or animal foot-fall or traffic. The paths usually represent the shortest or most easily navigated routes between origins and destinations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desire_path
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I guess there was one? Why would it be like this otherwise
Maybe a long time ago, I've lived here 15 years and there's not been one
Plant one.
Given the desire path, it probably wouldn't last long.
long time ago in a galaxy far away
Other than the ADA compliance mentioned, there's also weird property ownership and utility access things that can come up.
The laws that give them the ability to put sidewalks on your property usually phrase a limit on where they can put it. They can't just cut a 45° corner off your lawn because it's easier. If the property that owns that wall technically exists in a funny shape their sketches of the plan could have happily breezed along making a weird gap.
There could also be a utility junction under that area that they didn't want to cover.
I don't think there was a tree because you don't see the mound or divot that you usually see if there was a tree somewhere, at least one big enough to warrant that much of a sidewalk swerve.
Because some designer said so. Doesn’t have to be a reason other than “I think we’ll bend this here towards the crosswalk.”
They typically don’t waste concrete unless spec’d or otherwise needed. Doing a T would be cheaper, but would leave the leg down to the intersection too steep for a wheelchair.
This is a common sidewalk method.
Anything weird like this is usually to meet ADA requirements for wheelchairs.
Can only have so much slope each way.
That makes sense, you cross the road here and there's one of the major bus stops on the other side.
Because there’s a ramp on the left side of the image that leads somewhere, like a crosswalk!
straight line plus a T section? It's just weird like this. Well, whatever
There were concepts of a plan to plant one.