Linthorst, Demi (2024) Children's Independent Mobility to School: Factors Influencing Children's Independent Mobility to school in Rural Areas. Master thesis.
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Abstract
In an era of rapid urbanization, understanding children's independent mobility (CIM) is essential for developing environments that support their healthy growth and autonomy. This research examines the factors that influence children's independent mobility to school in rural areas, focusing on two municipalities in the Netherlands: Apeldoorn and Voorst. While independent mobility in urban areas is well-documented, rural settings remain under-researched, necessitating a closer examination of these contexts. A qualitative approach is employed, using semi-structured interviews with 15 parents of children aged 7-12 years. These interviews reveal key themes affecting children's independent mobility, including parental perceptions, neighborhood design, and household characteristics. The findings indicate that factors such as parental encouragement, perceptions of neighborhood safety, and the availability of child-friendly infrastructure significantly impact children's ability to commute independently to school. Additionally, socio-demographic characteristics like age, and household dynamics play a crucial role in shaping children's independent commuting habits. A significant finding is the influence of parental perceptions on children's mobility licenses. Parents' concerns about traffic safety, social environment, and built environment affect their willingness to allow children to travel independently. The study also highlights the importance of neighborhood design, such as the presence of sidewalks, bike lanes, and green spaces, in promoting independent mobility. Furthermore, household characteristics, including parental work schedules and socioeconomic status, significantly affect transportation mode choices. The research concludes with recommendations for policymakers and urban planners to foster more child-friendly rural environments. By addressing barriers to independent mobility, such as enhancing infrastructure and promoting community engagement, children's ability to travel independently can be improved. This study contributes to understanding independent mobility in rural settings and provides a foundation for future research on child-friendly environments. The findings underscore the necessity for a holistic approach that considers the interplay between social, physical, and demographic factors in enhancing children's independent mobility to school.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Degree programme: | Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning) |
| Supervisor: | Ramezani, S. |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Aug 2024 12:09 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Aug 2024 12:09 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4723 |
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