Desire lines in transportation planning refer to the paths that people take when traveling from one point to another. These paths are not necessarily the designated routes or sidewalks but rather the most convenient and direct path that people prefer to take. Understanding desire lines is crucial in transportation planning as it helps in developing efficient and safe transportation systems.

Origin and destination studies are conducted to understand the desire lines of people. The study involves collecting data on the starting and ending points of trips made by people, the mode of transportation used, and the purpose of the trip. This data is then analyzed to identify the most common desire lines and transportation patterns.

Importance of understanding desire lines:

1. Developing efficient transportation systems: Understanding the desire lines helps in developing transportation systems that are efficient and cater to the needs of the people. For example, if people are taking a certain path to avoid traffic, a new road or alternative route can be developed to ease congestion.

2. Improving pedestrian safety: Desire lines can be used to identify the paths that pedestrians take when crossing streets. This can help in installing crosswalks and pedestrian signals in areas where there is a high volume of pedestrian traffic to improve safety.

3. Enhancing urban design: Understanding the desire lines can help in designing urban spaces that are more pedestrian-friendly. For example, if people are taking a certain path through a park, benches and lighting can be installed along the path to enhance its usability.

In conclusion, desire lines are an important aspect of transportation planning and understanding them is crucial in developing efficient and safe transportation systems. Origin and destination studies are conducted to collect data on desire lines, which is then used to make informed decisions in transportation planning.