A new study by researchers at Illinois State University and the University of Michigan measured the informal footpaths—also known as "desire lines"—of Detroit.
Alec Foster and Joshua P. Newell have published a study for the Landscape and Urban Planning journal that measures the informal footpaths known as desire lines crisscross the city of Detroit.
According to the abstract for the study, Detroit has more than 5,680 of these footpaths, totaling more than 150 miles, and a complete knowledge of those desire lines can be a value to transportation planners, urban theorists, and community activists.
"Transportation planners may value desire lines for their efficiency, reducing travel time and distance. Urban theorists and community activists, however, view desire lines as a form of resistance and reclamation of space for a public poorly served by urban institutions," according to abstract.
The idea proposed by this study, however, is that these two benefits can co-exist. "Desire lines are creative attempts to expand urban possibilities, enhance efficiency, and reaffirm agency in increasingly regulated cities."
Using spatiotemporal analysis, the study also finds that desire lines are disappearing in Detroit, correlating with "changes in land ownership, management practices, and population dynamics."
"The loss of desire lines exposes the limits of informal practices and indicates the need for connections to broader relationships of power and governance," according to the abstract.
FULL STORY: Detroit’s lines of desire: Footpaths and vacant land in the Motor City
Lessons From Past Bike Lane Controversies Rarely Inform Present Debates
History repeats itself with the political controversies created by bike lanes.
Study Links Transportation Noise to High Rates of Dementia and Alzheimer's
A large nationwide cohort study in Denmark found "transportation noise from road traffic and railways to be associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia and dementia subtypes, especially Alzheimer’s disease."
Bikelash Wins in Phoenix
Neighborhood opposition overwhelmed a plan to reduce the number of vehicles lanes on North Central Avenue to make space for a new bike lane, despite evidence of the benefits of the proposed street reconfiguration.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.
Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations
Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.
DC Extends Application Window for Outdoor Dining Permits
District restaurants will have until the end of November to apply, but businesses with permits in rush hour parking lanes must end operations on July 31.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service