another instance of path optimization
Most people choose paths that require the fewest number of turns and use the major streets when walking somewhere. When in an area with stop lights, especially on crowded sidewalks with poorly timed lights, it just doesn't make sense.

As a bunch of us left dim sum, I said that I wanted to go past the ATM but would catch up with them, so took a different path. BofA being the sweet, kind-hearted bank that they are, had apparently removed the ATMs at the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, spackling up the wall as if they had never existed. I stood there for a moment, then walked up and down, wondering where they might have gone to, with no luck. So I set out on an intercept, turning where it seemed appropriate.

I ended up on Broadway and looked around for everyone else, but did not see them. Just as I was about to give up, I saw them almost a block behind me. It wasn't walking speed, just the really bad pathfinding choice they made. I knew turning at appropriate lights was optimal, but only in a 5-10% gain sense: in this case it was a gain of an entire block after walking just five blocks (and standing around for half a minute). Freaky.

Hence, a public service announcement: walking down Broadway in downtown Oakland is highly suboptimal.