A child-centered transportation system (Approach in order to achieve independent child travel in a sustainable transportation system)

Despite a move to modern time, few parents trust today’s public transport system to transport their children unaccompanied. Therefore, there is in an increase in the problem of overuse of cars, as these children must then travel with their parents. One of the most effective travel systems to promote the sustainability of a city is based onbicycle paths and related spaces; although the less accessible routes are also considered important. A sense of independence and the child's needs are often ignored in society, as they are not usually permitted to cycle independently. However, children account for more than one third of the world’s population; with a valuable wealth that is ignored sometimes due to the application of legal age. Although society is aware of the premise that children are the key to their future and a valuable human resource, ensuring the safety of the physical, cultural, social and psychological needs of children in a single trip is essentially to promote their independence and encourage unaccompanied travel. There is a lack of studies in this regard, therefore there is now a need to pay particular attention to children and their travel needs, and this paper will attempt to determine solution to this problem by way of literature review. In this manner, there will be a study of the needs and characteristics of children, their role in sustainable development and required variations of systems of bicycle routes. The paper will then suggest that the design of children’s bike paths should be based on an architectural approach towards achieving independence for children in the urban transport system. Obviously, these bike paths should be based on a culture of being welcoming towards children and attractive for them, otherwisethey will be abandoned and unused. Therefore, the study has examined the characteristics of children and their needs with regards to design of their ideal bike path. This eliminates the need for them to be solely located in peripheral areas, and will focus on the type of bike paths, the creation of an appropriate space in the vicinity of the road, and the need to be attractive and consistent with their needs.