Zhiying Quan, Rosilawati Binti Zainol, Melasutra Binti Md Dali
A child-friendly commuting environment ensures that children can travel to and from school safely, independently and inclusively. It encompasses infrastructure, transportation systems, policy frameworks and social conditions that support children's mobility while addressing risks such as transportation hazards and social barriers. Despite the growing body of research on this topic, a comprehensive understanding of influencing factors and effective interventions is lacking. To address this aspect, this study conducted a systematic literature review of 58 studies, summarized key findings and research methods, and identified ways to optimize child-friendly commuting. The findings highlight five core dimensions that define child-friendly commuting environments: safety and security, accessibility and equity, child-centered participation, environmental comfort and aesthetics, and social and cultural support, providing a framework for assessment and planning of child-friendly commuting environments. The study further identified key challenges, including socio-economic disparities in commuter safety, limited child participation in urban planning, and the gap between policy and implementation. To address these issues, the study recommends strengthening infrastructure investments, integrating smart transportation solutions, implementing child-inclusive policies, and promoting community engagement. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and educators to create safer and more inclusive commuting environments for children. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.
Centre for Sustainable Urban Planning and Real Estate, Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia; Centre for Transportation Research, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia; Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia; Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
