Spatial Behavior of Children's Independent Mobility in Depok, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Distribution of elementary schools in Depok, West Java, is not only located in settlement area. This situation influences the pattern of children's independent mobility, which is one of the aspects in Depok's Children Friendly City program. This research aimed to discover the spatial behaviour pattern of children's independent mobility in Depok. Sample in this research consists of 7 elementary schools and the data was gathered by 4th graders' questionnaire filling, narration writing, and mental map drawing. Furthermore, the data was analyzed using spatial analysis method. The result showed that there is correlation between human activities around the school and children's chosen transportation mode. Moreover, trip distance also affects the type of transportation mode. The further children's trip distance, the more limited transportation mode they can use. From the analysis result, it is concluded that school location influences the spatial pattern of children independent movement. The fact that schools are placed in high-crowd area shows that Depok hasn't taken side yet with children's independence in doing trip to school as the aspect of Children Friendly City program.