this post was submitted on 15 May 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'd think German traffic engineers could come up with a better solution, yet these are everywhere:

The bike paths themselves are desire paths for cars and motorcycles.
To block them off, they put up barriers, but those also block cargo bikes, wheelchairs and strollers, create a collision hazard, and force all cyclists to stop and dismount for no reason.
Of course, they'll be bypassed wherever possible – naturally by cars and motorcycles too, if there's enough room.

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[–] mech@feddit.org 6 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Yes, they're staggered. You can walk your bike through, but not safely keep riding.
And they're close enough (<1m) to make it really difficult with a wheelchair, cargo bike, loaded panniers or modern MTBs with their broomstick handlebars.

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago

The people who plan this bullshit grew up in a time whether there were only granny bikes. Actually, sometimes I think all traffic planning in Germany is being done by drunk chimpanzees.

[–] SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

The point is to not have people riding onto the road.

[–] starlinguk@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

So it's okay if that means disabled people can't use the park?

[–] mech@feddit.org 6 points 2 days ago

I'm aware.
It's to force cyclists to dismount (which by the way isn't possible for all vehicles allowed on that path), instead of forcing cars to stop by changing the right of way.