CONCLUSION This study set out to explore the role of CIM in promoting children’s wellbeing and social participation in urban life. In the process, it challenged the utilitarian approach of mobility as going from A to B in an efficient manner. Alternatively, it proposed a broader perspective of children’s mobility which recognises independent walking as a social practice that enables them to develop a sense of place. The conceptual framework incorporates independence, walk and play notions through a socio-ecological model and the concepts of attachment and affordance, placing children’s voices at the core of the discussion. Regarding the main research question, this study identified both the built and social environment contribute to CIM, though to varying degrees. In the case of Aguablanca district, the BE limited the number of affordances for play and sociability. However, the social environment was more important for both independent walking and being outdoors. Caretakers and children were concern about traffic safety, and more importantly personal safety related to violence, crime and drug use. Although, the perception of strong community ties helped children not feel as alone or vulnerable during their journeys, the threatening environment limited their opportunities for leisure activities in the streets, parks and courts/playgrounds. 3 out of 5 children in the neighbourhood gained license to walk independently to school and other activities. This level of independence was high compared to similar studies in the global north. Nevertheless, while this independence allowed children to walk to school by themselves, other activities were more restricted, which implies that independent license was tied to essential journeys and needs. Girls and boys in Aguablanca district had similar levels of actual walking independence. However, age played a decisive role, as younger children had less independence licence than children aged thirteen and 45
CHILDREN'S INDEPENDENT MOBILITY A child-oriented perspective on walking, playing and socialising in
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