Travel, environments, and well-being

Transportation enhances mobility both spatially and temporally, connecting individuals to various agencies and increasing opportunities for out-of-home activities. Consequently, travel is widely acknowledged as a key contributor to well-being. Environmental characteristics also influence travel behavior, yet uncertainties remain regarding the interplay between travel, the environment, and well-being. This dissertation contributes to this knowledge base by examining multiple representations of the environment (e.g., street view images, land-use data, and built environment perceptions) in relation to travel behavior and mental health, while also exploring the implications of physical and mental health for travel behavior. Chapter 2 systematically examines the commuting–well-being–mental health interplay. Longer commutes negatively affect well-being and mental health, whereas active travel (walking and cycling) has positive associations. The results also suggest that accumulated commute experience may influence well-being and mental health, with emotional response acting as a moderator. Chapter 3 explores the role of street view (SV) environments in walking behavior. SV features primarily impact weekend walking, complementing land-use-based measures. For instance, greenery positively correlates with walking duration, while walls and cars show negative associations. Chapter 4 investigates the effect of green space on mental health, revealing that denser green space along commute routes may elevate stress, particularly for active commuters. However, this effect varies depending on measurement approaches, emphasizing the need for further research. Chapters 5 and 6 highlight the role of well-being in travel behavior. Body mass index negatively correlates with non-commute walking frequency, while environmental and health-related factors have varying influences. Additionally, men with poorer mental health are more likely to commute by bus/tram than by car, while no significant relationship is observed for women. This dissertation offers insights for urban planning and transport policies. It underscores the importance of incorporating multiple environmental representations to better understand travel behavior. To promote walking, planners should enhance streetscapes (e.g., increasing greenery and reducing barriers) and improve perceived safety. Policy interventions should consider temporal variations in walking needs and carefully integrate green space to align with behavioral contexts. Finally, transport and urban planning should incorporate well-being considerations, acknowledging its dual role as both a determinant and an outcome of travel behavior.