Advancing caring cities Active mobility for healthy, safer, and inclusive child friendly futures.

Why children? Half of the world's urban population consists of children, while the remaining half often bear responsibility for their care. Extensive research underscores the profound influence of a child's environment on their development, with children being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Even in high-income countries, children are facing escalating risks from air pollution, diseases, and extreme weather events.

Scholars highlight children as 'indicator species,' symbolizing the vitality of human habitats. Social, cultural, and economic factors shape a city's health, including mobility, access to food, infrastructure, housing, and education. And in this sense, mobility determines access to these essentials.

Why cycling? Cycling emerges as a vital, accessible, and urgent solution for cities striving to create cleaner, healthier, and safer urban environments for all. Just and sustainable urban transitions necessitate placing those with the greatest needs—such as children and their families—at the forefront of mobility discussions to harness the social, environmental, and health advantages of active travel.

Why cities of ‘care’? Putting vulnerable populations at the center of urban conversations and decisions means creating cities of care and empathy that take into account the diversity of experiences, needs and desires of everyone. In this sense, a caring city designed with children in mind not only ensures their own safety but also benefits other vulnerable groups and the wider population.

Cities worldwide are already making strides in this direction, and we aim to celebrate their achievements and exchange important lessons. Join us for a dynamic networking and panel session as we delve into the critical theme of creating cities that prioritize the well-being and safety of our youngest citizens through active mobility.

The "Advancing Caring Cities" session brings together representatives from pioneering places, alongside urban planners and experts in active mobility and human-centered cities. Through engaging discussions we'll explore innovative local strategies for fostering active mobility, promoting public health, and advancing equity within diverse urban landscapes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the transformative power of child-friendly urban planning and the tangible benefits of cycling for this matter.

Finally, the event will feature a special presentation of the Children's Cycling Manifesto — a passionate call to action crafted by local children advocating for safer and more inclusive urban environments.