Mobility of children: what parents ignore on their well -being

Active trips, a daily health source

According to Ademe, 40 % of the car trips to support a child at school are less than 3 km away. A distance that could be traveled on foot or by bicycle, but which often remains motorized out of habit, lack of time or fear of danger. As a result, children move less, even if the WHS recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

Simply walking at school allows you to strengthen your heart, musclesBut also the concentration of class. The researchers note that children who arrive at school alone are often more attentive and more independent. We are far from ungrateful work: these few minutes of walking become a soft transition between the house and the class.

An era of autonomy that has fallen

The review Child Remember that in 1995 the children made their first trip on average about 8 years. Today, this age has fallen at 10 years, sometimes more. The causes? Growing concern for parents with road safety It is an urban environment that is not always suitable. But not only that: the fear of “bad encounters” or possible assaults also feed this reluctance.

These fears are understandable, but help delay access to essential autonomy. Still, Delaying these experiences is to limit learning: to know how to cross, evaluate a distance, manage an unexpected, ask for help if necessary.

Cargo-Bike, Pedibus and other alternatives

The good news is that the solutions thrive to help families get out of “ourselves”. The Vélo-Cargo, widespread in the Netherlands, now appeals to France, in particular to transport several children at the same time. Pedibus works like a school bus, but on foot: voluntary parents accompany a group of students on a safe path.

These initiatives give children a space of autonomy while reassuring parents. And they have another delicious side effect: Recreate social ties in the neighborhood. A journey to different are also discussions, friendships that form and a collective experience of the city.

The brakes that persist

Obviously, it’s not all easy. The lack of safe cycle routes, too tight sidewalks or the intensity of the traffic remain greater obstacles. Some municipalities are now investing in “school roads”, closed to traffic during the entry and exit of the lessonsTo allow children to walk serenely. But these initiatives remain irregular according to the territories.

For parents, the issue of time also remains central: walking or pedaling requires a few minutes more than a car trip. However, several studies show that these additional minutes are quickly compensated by the child’s gain of the autonomy and by the fact of no longer having to manage the stress of the parking lot.

Resume trust in travel

Encourage the active mobility of children is not just a matter of urban developments. He is also changing his eyes. Accepts that the child can move otherwise that in the car it is to recognize his ability to grow and learn through experience.

So yes, there is a course to pass: the first trip alone, the first morning of Pedibus, the first time on a bicycle cargo. But every step, every stroke of the pedal, brings our children closer to greater freedom … and better health.