Linda Marie Pätzold
Linda Marie Pätzold studied Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where she completed both her Bachelor's and Master's theses in the field of bicycle planning. This year, she is graduating with a Master's degree in Urban Ecological Planning from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Intervention
Project Description
This research aims to understand school children’s mobility and travel behaviour and through surveys and participatory methods. By engaging schoolchildren as co-researchers, the study seeks to generate locally grounded insights that can shape the design of safer, more inclusive, and equitable urban environments suitable for active transport modes. The findings will contribute to safer school route design and active transport policies by informing the Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) Masterplan of Nairobi.
Research Questions
Children’s travel behavior: How do students travel to school and perceive the current safety of school routes in different neighborhoods of Nairobi? What are the key safety concerns faced by students commuting to school, particularly those who walk or cycle?
Influence of personal and environmental factors: How do travel mode and safety challenges differ across gender, age, or socioeconomic background among students commuting to school in Nairobi? How do travel modes and perceived safety vary between informal settlements vs. formal neighborhoods, as well as between public and private schools?
(Policy recommendations: What are children’s needs regarding NMT and in what way can they be included in the Masterplan and NMT policies? How can the NCCG ensure the inclusion of children’s perspectives in urban planning, especially NMT infrastructure development.)