The determinants of walking habit strength in urban China: A mixed-method study

Abstract

Promoting walking as a habitual mode of transportation supports public health and sustainability goals, particularly within high-density urban areas, where integrating walking into daily routines is feasible. Yet, the factors that contribute to walking habits remain underexplored. Investigating these determinants is essential to effectively inform transport policies and interventions that promote walking. In order to address this gap, our study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative semi-structured interviews with questionnaire surveys in examining the socio-demographic, psychosocial, and built environmental determinants of walking habit strength in Shenzhen, China. The results indicate that while environmental factors such as destination accessibility and maintenance of the walking environment are vital in fostering robust walking habits, psychosocial factors including attitudes towards walking and neighbourhood attachment, are also significant. Furthermore, our qualitative data suggest a dynamic interplay between supportive built environments and psychosocial factors, where conducive physical settings positively interact with individuals’ attitudes, values, and neighbourhood attachment, thereby reinforcing walking as a daily practice. Such interplay accentuates the need to create environments that not only physically support walking but also emotionally and socially motivate individuals to choose walking over other modes of transportation. This holistic approach recognises that human behaviour is influenced by more than just physical infrastructure, making integrated policies likely more effective and sustainable. By prioritising the development of sustainable transport habits early on, communities can achieve improved public health and environmental outcomes in the face of rapid urbanisation.