Pedestrian Characteristics That Favor Desire Lines Despite Closure

Abstract

Desire lines are unpaved tracks which are commonly used by pedestrians alongside paved paths wherever they are available. These tracks are generally shorter to travel, but unsafe due to uneven surface, insect bite, and slippery surface during wet weather. This study aims to understand the influence of person-specific attributes on pedestrians’ preference toward a desire line despite its closure for use. A study site is selected and pedestrians are surveyed in three stages when: (1) both the paved path and the desire line are available, (2) immediately after the desire line is closed, and (3) several months after the closure of the desire line. It is observed that the number of pedestrians using the desire line increases fourfold between stages 2 and 3. In addition, the stage 3 dataset is analyzed using a latent class choice model which segregates individuals into segments based on their characteristics and choice behavior. The results show that a segment comprising 40% of pedestrians depict a high tendency toward selecting the desire line. It is also found that pedestrians who are young, fit, and graduate are more inclined to use the desire line. The findings from this study can be used to inform urban planners in proposing strategies and measures aimed at minimizing the use of desire lines among pedestrians.