Spatial Analysis for safe independent mobility for children

Abstract

The overall theme of this thesis revolves around understanding and facilitating safe independent mobility for children. The focus of the study is specifically on safety concerns related to the motorized transportation environment, where safety is defined by factors that determine the risk of a child being involved in a motor-vehicle accident while traveling on urban roads. The purpose of this study is to measure and evaluate safe independent mobility for children using various parameters. The aim is to develop a framework that can be utilized by planning departments and local authorities. Conducting the analysis at a small geographic scale enables the assessment of the variability in safe independent mobility within the study area. The findings can then be utilized to create a decision support tool that assists in planning personalized routes for children in similar urban environments. Currently, there is a lack of theoretical understanding regarding the concept of safe independent mobility for children as a planning layer that can guide neighborhood planning in cities. To address this gap, an interdisciplinary review of guidelines, international/national case studies, and relevant literature was conducted. Subsequently, focus group discussions were held within the neighborhood to propose a new three-dimensional construct based on children's behavior and their built environment. This construct serves as the foundation for understanding safe independent mobility for children from their own perspective. The three parameters identified in this construct are further assessed using various sub-parameters. To validate and expand upon this conceptual framework, an in-depth analytical study was conducted in a neighborhood in Hubli, India, specifically focusing on children in their middle childhood phase (aged 6-18 years). The research methodology involved both qualitative and quantitative analysis, including the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process to determine the weights of each parameter. Additionally, the study aims to address specific issues within the neighborhood through targeted interventions. By combining theoretical insights, empirical data, and practical interventions, the thesis seeks to contribute to the development of ABSTRACT effective strategies and approaches for enhancing safe independent mobility for children in urban environments.