How can we give our children the best opportunities in life?
Children and youth deserve the freedom to move safely, conveniently and enjoyably around Yarra, including the freedom to walk or bike to school, sport, the library or their friends houses.
Walking and biking are good for children
There are dozens of reasons why walking is good for children. Walking keeps them fit and active, helps them learn about road safety and prepares them for independence. It shows them that the world is an interesting place, and gives them the chance to watch their own neighbourhoods change with the seasons. It keeps them connected with other people who live nearby – older people and other children.
Victoria Walks – Walking with Children
A good city is one in which children can grow and develop to the extent of their powers; where they can build their confidence and become actively engaged in the world; yet be autonomous and capable of managing their own affairs.
Keven Lynch, Growing Up in Cities, 1977; sourced from Compendium of Best Practices of Child Friendly Cities
New research reports children who have freedom to move from A to B by themselves – rather than depending on adults to take them places – experience improved wellbeing.
Dr Lisa Gibbs, University of Melbourne
Research from Dr Lisa Gibbs is available at The Conversation and the report ‘Stepping Out – Children negotiating independent travel.
Guidance from the Netherlands
By the time most Dutch kids are between eight and ten, the traffic calmed streets mean their parents are willing to let them travel independently. They are in control of how they get to school, friends’ houses, and sports clubs, and there’s something really important there.
Melissa & Chris Bruntlett
Yarra policy
Yarra has adopted a 0-25 Years Plan with a Strategic Priority for child and family friendly environments for walking and cycling:
However, the Plan 2018-2022 and Action Plan 2018-2019 only aim to ‘promote’, ‘advocate’, ‘encourage’ or ‘seek’ infrastructure improvements, instead actually building them. This isn’t good enough.
What Yarra can do
Yarra can make streets better for children by building:
- wider footpaths and safe crossings
- protected bicycle lanes that link Safe Access Neighbourhoods
- protected level-access tram stops
Budget is needed to pay for the necessary infrastructure improvements, and revenue is available by reforming the pricing of on-street parking. Unfortunately, change can be difficult. Each of us can help by showing our support for an increased allocation of street space and budget for walking and cycling, e.g. by appearing as a champion on the Streets Alive Yarra website.
Support from VicHealth
VicHealth has prepared a consensus statement with a focus is on giving children and young people the best chance for a healthier start to life.
Design guides
Learn more from this collection of design guides, including the NACTO guide to designing streets for kids:
