Built environment and walking commute satisfaction: a route-level analysis

Previous research on walking commuting satisfaction has primarily examined residential or workplace environments, often overlooking the crucial intermediary walking environment between the two. This study fills that gap by analyzing how both perceived and objectively measured walkability along the entire commuting route influence walking-to-work behavior and satisfaction among 1,002 Shanghai residents. The results reveal that the built environment along the commute route significantly shapes walking satisfaction, exhibiting both positive and negative effects. Unlike residential or workplace settings, intermediary factors—particularly perceived road congestion and commuting distance—exert stronger influences on satisfaction. Furthermore, the intermediary walking environment affects satisfaction mainly through its impact on walking behavior. By emphasizing this often-neglected segment of the urban environment, the study deepens understanding of the complexities of walking in cities and offers practical insights for urban planners and policymakers seeking to enhance walkability and improve the walking experience in metropolitan areas such as Shanghai.