Active commuting: an alternative source of health-promoting physical activity in job–housing imbalance contexts

The global issue of job-housing imbalance is increasingly critical in urban planning and public health. This study utilizes data from the 2023 Jinan City Commuting Survey and employs structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the pathways and mechanisms linking neighborhood environments to health outcomes within this context. The findings reveal key insights: First, a higher Job-Housing Balance Index (JHBI) does not necessarily reduce commuting distances due to mismatches between local job opportunities and residents’ qualifications or preferences. Second, active commuting, such as walking and cycling, is positively associated with self-rated health and serves as a partial substitute for other physical activities. A trade-off appears to exist, as individuals who actively commute often reduce their engagement in planned exercise, indicating compensatory behavior. Third, neighborhood factors, including station density and access to service facilities, directly improve health, while road networks and building density are related to active commuting, which in turn is associated with health outcomes. The green space ratio is primarily associated with health outcomes through its relationship with commuting choices. These findings emphasize the health and environmental benefits of promoting active commuting. They also suggest that improving neighborhood environments—by increasing walkability, enhancing transit access, and providing local amenities—can help mitigate the negative effects of job-housing separation. The study offers empirical evidence to support integrated urban planning and public health policies aimed at fostering healthier, more sustainable cities.