Children and sustainable mobility: small feet making smaller carbon footprints

Abstract

Whilst there is an extensive body of research on the social and environmental concerns associated with private car usage and the role of the built environment and urban form in sustainable travel, there is limited focus on children’s active contribution to these trends, both as part of the problem with their carbon intensive travel patterns and as part of the solution with their capacity to be agents for a positive change. Private cars are heavily relied on by families with children that lead to a wide range of health and environmental issues. In the context of the ‘pre-cognitive, habitual’ theories of travel behaviour, these travel patterns are likely to be carried into their adulthood. Policy responses to tackle these issues (such as urban consolidation policies) do not generally make room for children in their deliberations. This article aims to explore the place of children in the trends and discourses related to car dependence and sustainable travel in Australian cities and calls for a greater attention to children’s travel patterns for more effective policies and longer-lasting benefits.

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