Route selection

Walking is a great way to boost personal wellbeing and mental health, and keeping track of daily steps is a great way to monitor this. While I don't set an arbitrary goal like 10,000 steps a day, I have found a daily step count that works for my lifestyle and daily commute and is achievable, with a bit of a stretch.

During my walks, I was surprised to discover that the distance from my house to the beach and back through a small reserve passing, a skatepark, kiddies’ playground, and a pleasant shopping area is actually longer than my walk from the railway station in town to my workplace. This got me thinking about a lecture I once attended on distance, where I learned about the concept of perceived distance.

Perceived distance refers to the subjective or psychological distance between two points, and it plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's travel behaviour. People's choice of route between two locations is often influenced by perceived distance, in addition to actual physical distance.

For example, someone may choose a longer but more scenic route, even though a shorter route is available. This is because perceived distance can be influenced by factors such as the environment, travel time, and mode of transport. A well-maintained scenic route with beautiful views may be perceived as shorter than a shorter route that is congested, lacks scenery, and has a poor environment.

The quality of the environment along the route can also impact perceived distance. A scenic route may offer a more enjoyable experience, reducing perceived distance, even though the physical distance remains unchanged. A scenic route may also be perceived as shorter if it offers a faster or more direct mode of transport, such as a scenic drive or bike path, compared to a congested or poorly maintained road.

Availability of transport options can also influence perceived distance. A route with reliable and convenient public transport options may be perceived as shorter than a shorter route with limited or inadequate public transport options. In this case, individuals may choose the longer route due to its ease and convenience.

In conclusion, the concept of perceived distance is crucial in shaping travel behaviour and route choice. Perceived distance can be influenced by factors such as environment quality, travel time, and transport options. By considering perceived distance, transport planners can create transport systems that are better suited to travellers’ needs, offering a more enjoyable, convenient, and efficient journey.