Among the European Commission’s responses to concerns about the effects of environmental factors on children’s health is a lively publication, illustrated with children’s drawings, describing initiatives to improve child mobility and health. Claude Bichou, DG Environment, presented "Kids on the move" at the Green Week Conference held in Brussels earlier this year. His presentation formed part of a session moderated by MEP Dr Caroline Lucas on how children’s mobility enhances their mental and physical health.
In the past 10 years, the number of children who cycle or walk to school has decreased substantially. Parents, worried by the risk of road accidents, take their children to school by car. Their concerns are not unfounded. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children across Europe. But increasing use of private cars to ferry children around is not a solution. It has negative effects on children’s independence and fitness, while at the same time further polluting the environment. Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, especially in urban areas.
But the young are not just innocent victims of air pollution and unsafe roads. They also represent a largely untapped potential resource for encouraging and influencing people to adopt more sustainable behaviour patterns. Claude Bichou at the European Commission’s DG Environment says : "As adults, we should take responsibility for involving them in the planning and decision-making processes so that they have a chance to influence the present and shape the future."
A new publication from the European Commission entitled "Kids on the move" highlights the importance of the concept of "child mobility" and provides examples of existing initiatives developed by schools, transport operators or local authorities aimed at promoting the mobility, health and well-being of Europe’s 90 million children.
The following are some of the initiatives described in the book from which local authorities, non-governmental organisations, teachers and parents can learn. They include :
- Assemblies for children and young people Kids on the Move argues that although international declarations have been made and conventions signed, children and young people do not usually participate actively in the planning and decision-making processes that affect them. Children’s assemblies provide opportunities for listening and hearing their views, including on issues related to mobility. So far, municipal assemblies exist in Helsinki, Finland ; Lille, France ; and, London, UK.
- "Walking bus" and "Cycling bus" This idea is based on the principle of the processions of schoolchildren of the past. Schools support parents, living in the same neighbourhood, who are willing to organise a continuous escort service for children walking or biking to school. In Grenoble, France, a primary school located on the outskirts was chosen as a pilot project. At that time, almost 50% of the pupils living less than 400 metres from the school and nearly 80% of those living less than 900m away went to school by car. Since the project started, car use has fallen by half.
- Car free days Inspired by the experience in France and Italy, this initiative was launched Europe-wide by the Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom in September 2001. Within three months, some 30 European countries had given an undertaking to support the event through activities organised by local authorities. In Greece, the small town of Larissa (150,000 inhabitants) has played an active role in promoting the concept of a "car-free town", including a special programme for children.
- Bicycle parties In some European towns and cities, "car free Sundays" have allowed children on bicycles to take over the roads. For example, in Italy, a "Bimbimbici" event on Sunday 21 June 2001 gave the roads to child cyclists in parts of 150 towns.
- Public transport adoption campaigns Another way to reduce both air pollution and the number of road accidents is greater use of public transport.
The Commission intends the handbook to be helpful to those involved in promoting children’s environmental health, including anyone wanting to take part in transport-related events such as the "European Mobility Week" initiative www.mobilityweek-europe.org. Events on 20 September 2002 were devoted to the theme "living streets and greenways."
Creating child detectives
"I do not know why, but I hate exhaust and pollution." This little girl made her comment to Inky’s Ecodectives, a cartoon series and on-line activities ready to translate from Norwegian into any European language (www.blekkulf.no).
Launched by the Norwegian branch of Friends of the Earth, Inky’s Ecodectives have educated more than 100,000 young environmental detectives ! It was one of the many initiatives to involve children in environmental issues promoted at Green Week 24-28 April 2002 organised by the European Commission. The event this year was designed to present the new Environmental Action Programme - Environment 2010 : Our Future, Our Choice. Three thousand delegates and over 100 exhibitors (including the EPHA secretariat and several members) took part in 35 workshop sessions and other events addressing two main questions : "What kind of environment do we want to live in ? What kind of environment do we want our children and grandchildren to inherit ?"
Children at Green Week also had an opportunity to see Locococo, a board game developed by children in Guatemala and now available in both Spanish and English. It highlights different child rights and raises issues about inequalities. It suggests ways that young people can take action. More information from : www.locococo.org
Info
Claude Bochu of the Environment Directorate-General.
E-mail : Claude.Bochu@cec.eu.int
Comments on "Kids on the move" are welcome and should be sent by electronic mail.
The children’s drawings, which are taken from "Kids on the move", were submitted to a competition associated with Green Week in 2001.
