Measures for children's self-directed mobility and activity

On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, TØI has investigated existing measures that can give children increased independent and active mobility, as well as provided input for possible new measures. Many municipalities have done a lot to improve the infrastructure and secure traffic routes for children and young people, which are prerequisites for independent mobility. Barriers that can hinder the implementation of measures are lack of capacity, competence and financial resources. Less central municipalities experience the most barriers. Measures that can strengthen children's independent mobility are expanded use of Heart Zones, a public transport service adapted to children and young people and the location of leisure activities in places where they can get themselves. There is a need for clearer requirements, guidelines and guidance from central authorities on the size and distances to good and varied outdoor areas for children, explicit prioritization of local vulnerable road users over transit and other car traffic, and that the authorities focus on their own child studies that can supplement travel surveys, safe children interests and linked to the municipalities' planning tools.