How to enhance thermal comfort in greenway walking? An exploration of the physical environment, walking status, and emotional perspectives

Adverse weather may disconnect individuals from nature. Ideal greenway thermal environment is crucial for promoting walking-based physical activity and reducing mental strain. This research conducted a “stop-and-go” experiment to explore the thermal perceptions during autumnal greenway walking and the impact of emotions on it through meteorological measurements and questionnaire surveys. Results revealed that thermal comfort was influenced by walking status, environmental characteristics, and emotions. Individuals were more sensitive to thermal stimuli and preferred a slightly warmer sensation during autumn greenway walks. Engaging in walking extended comfort range. Negative emotions markedly reduce thermal comfort and acceptability, especially with unfamiliar routes and poorer landscape environments characterized by noise, visible grey infrastructure, or enclosed spaces. Overall, the neutral Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was 16.54 °C, with neutral UTCI range of 13.79–19.30 °C. The most comfortable UTCI was 21.37 °C, while the 90% acceptable range was 12.77–26.22 °C. Additionally, thermal benchmarks for three standard units were established. Considering physical environment, walking statuses, and psychological factors, 13 practical greenway design strategies were proposed to enhance thermal comfort during greenway walking. These strategies focused on vegetation, water features, pathways, and facilities, aiming to optimize greenways and maximize their potential to encourage slow walking. •Walking status, physical environment, and emotions influence greenway thermal comfort.•Walking on greenway proves more beneficial for thermal comfort than mere presence.•Poor landscapes amplify the adverse impact of negative emotions on thermal comfort.•Establishing thermal benchmarks of greenway walking to guide design in the study area.•Proposing practical greenway design strategies to enhance walking thermal comfort.