PhD defence: Travel, environments, and well-being

Travel is more than just a means of moving from origin to destination; it connects people to daily activities and opportunities, shaping mobility and well-being. While research has increasingly explored the links between travel behaviour, environments, and well-being, the complex interplay among these factors remains insufficiently understood. This dissertation investigated how different representations of the environment, such as different exposure contexts and streetscapes, influence travel behaviour and well-being, while also examining the role of mental and physical health in shaping travel choices. Findings reveal that objective commute characteristics are associated with experiential aspects of subjective well-being and mental health, as well as general mental health and cognitive well-being. Over time, accumulated commuting experiences may contribute to changes in overall well-being and mental health, with emotional responses potentially moderating such associations. Moreover, street view environmental characteristics are significantly associated with pedestrians’ walking behaviour, though these relationships vary between weekdays and weekends and may follow a nonlinear pattern. While green spaces are positively associated with walking, dense greenery along commuting routes may increase stress for active travelers. This study further reveals that well-being itself plays a role in travel choices: individuals with poorer mental health, particularly men, may be more likely to choose public transport over driving. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of integrating perceptions of environments and well-being with physical infrastructure to better understand travel behaviour. By bridging travel behaviour, environments, and well-being, this work provides evidence-based insights for designing cities that support both sustainable mobility and mental health.