Walking or Cycling to Work Can Make You Happier on the Road.
Walking or cycling to work is often seen as a way to save money or get some exercise. However, this may have another advantage: it can make you happier when commuting.
Walking or cycling to work is not always a viable option (for example, when I live in Atlanta, the driving time can be between 30 and 60 minutes), however, in cities, where possible, those who may avoid cars or in a stuffy public transport they like to travel to work. At least that was the case in Montreal. A study from McGill University of 3,377 students, staff and faculty found that those who walked or cycled (as well as those who used intercity rail) were most satisfied with their commute. Sometimes, even if it took them longer to get there:
Travel time obviously matters: in general, people who commute to work for longer are less satisfied with them. But for pedestrians, bikers, and bus drivers, an extra ten minutes of commuting to work has cut satisfaction by about half compared to drivers, metro or train passengers.
Sure, saving money and exercising can help many people feel more satisfied with life in general, but there are many reasons why it, in particular, can make people happier. Walking or cycling usually means you need to plan further ahead and be in less rush. You are also rarely stopped by circumstances beyond your control. Anyway, until pedestrian cul-de-sacs become common.
Cycling or Walking to Work Makes You Happier and Healthier | Vox