European Study Links Green Commutes to 2.74-Point Mental Health Gain

1 articles · Updated · spacedaily.com · Jul 1

A 2018 study of 3,599 adults in four European cities found people who commuted daily through green or blue spaces scored 2.74 points higher on mental health measures than those exposed less often.
The strongest link appeared when natural surroundings were combined with walking or cycling; active commuting alone, without parks, trees, rivers or canals, was not associated with better mental health.
Researchers defined natural environments broadly to include street trees and forests as well as canals, rivers and ponds, suggesting routine urban routes—not just large parks—may matter.
The authors stressed the finding is correlational, not proof of cause, and called for more research, while suggesting city planners could consider investing in greener walking and cycling corridors.