Active Urbanism and choice architecture: Encouraging the use of challenging city routes for health and fitness

Inactivity is one of the major health risks in technologically developed countries. This paper explores potential a series urban landscape interventions to engage people physical activity. Online surveys were conducted with 595 participants living UK by inviting them choose between conventional pavement or challenging routes (steppingstones, balancing beams, and high steps) using photorealistic images. Across four experiments, we discovered that 80% walkers claim they would pick route at least scenarios, depending on perceived level difficulty design characteristics. Where option was shorter than route, this increased likelihood being chosen 10%, presence handrails 12%. suggests can get nudged into activities through minor changes landscape. We discuss implications for policy makers designers.