Kids on the move : an analysis on modal choice and spatial cognition

Abstract

This study looks at the sustainability of child mobility, a branch within the larger field of transport geography. It adds to the research in the factors influencing modal choice for children within Maltese families. It also makes a primary contribution to research into social sustainability within the Maltese Islands, filling in large gaps in knowledge on how children experience their journeys, in particular the journey to school. The main purpose of this research is to identify whether a correlation exists between children’s gender, age and the distance travelled and the mode of transport used to travel to school and extra-curricular activities. Moreover, the outcomes are especially interested in understanding the influence the mode places on the child’s resultant spatial cognition, in relation to understanding routes and the location of landmarks experienced in the journey to school. The method includes the delivery of a child-profile questionnaire and a travel diary to a sample of boys and girls aged ten to fourteen years who travel different distances to arrive to their school, St. Martin’s College. Data is extrapolated and analysed statistically to conclude that the child’s gender and age affects the modal choice, whilst the distance travelled encourages the popularity or the use of the car or school transport. The study uses participation-action research with the involvement of diagramming exercises, in order to compare the degree of spatial understanding owned by children according to the mode experienced on a daily basis. The results show that although the majority of children are driven to school, there are differences between boys and girls, different ages and the distance travelled. The participative mapping exercises then resulted in a wider spatial awareness in children who use the car to travled to school. This research concludes by providing areas for future policy implementation to positively affect problems of transport congestion.