Independent and active mobility of children in a car-free environment: insights from Büyükada Island

Abstract

Supporting children’s active and independent mobility in cities, creating walkable and car-free spaces, reducing and slowing down traffic are considered among the basic steps in creating child-friendly environments as they support children’s physical and mental well-being. This study explores children’s mobility in a car-free space to understand the effects of independent mobility on the perception of space. Büyükada in Istanbul defines a unique alternative due to its car-free living environment and offers a child-friendly environment and a significant potential to support freedom of movement. In this context, using ‘mind mapping’ methodology, a recognized visual thinking tool for structuring abstract thoughts, children’s spatial perceptions and freedom of movement were explored through the drawn and written expressions of 20 10-year-old students living and studying in Büyükada. The paper discusses the findings of the fieldwork in this car-free settlement on children’s active and independent mobility patterns and their promising potential for developing child-friendly urban policies. The findings show that living in a car-free environment enables children to have independent mobility, enabling them to connect with nature and the urban space in which they live and to develop socio-spatial ties with the community