With a short range of mobility, they cannot walk fast or far. They always travel with a caregiver—sometimes an elderly adult or older child—and are often held or in a carrier. Most often those caregivers are women, who in lower income countries are more likely to be using transit or walking. Unfortunately, the walking and transit infrastructure is often poor quality, unsafe, or even non-existent. Chaotic street environments with high air and noise pollution impact their physical and mental growth. And increasingly, the lack of physical activity from walking or playing is contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and depression around the world.
ITDP believes that by designing streets and spaces for the most vulnerable groups, including children, they can work better for everyone. ITDP has more than 30 years of experience implementing equitable, sustainable mobility solutions worldwide. Its action-oriented, evidence-based approach has led to successful on-the-ground projects and forward-thinking policies. ITDP works with cities to implement replicable, tangible solutions that improve mobility for young children.