Successfully advocating for safer roads

Image source: Dutch National Archive

Overview

In 1971, traffic accidents in The Netherlands claimed the lives of over 400 children. After a decade of significant increase in private car usage in Dutch cities and a peak in traffic casualties, grassroots movements emerged, advocating for child safety in cities through the reduction of cars. Dubbed ‘Stop de Kindermoord’ (Stop the child murder), this movement is recognized as the genesis of the Dutch cycling and pedestrian culture that prioritizes the safety of children. It provides profound lessons on the power of advocacy in shaping policy and action on child-friendly cities.

Location:
The Netherlands

Organisation:
Stop de Kindermoord, Grassroots organisation

Beneficiary:
Children all ages, caregivers

Scale of proximity:
City

Built environment component:
Public space; street; policy

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/may/05/amsterdam-bicycle-capital-world-transport-cycling-kindermoord

https://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/amsterdam-children-fighting-cars-in-1972/

Organisation
Region
Intervention Type
Dimensions
Scales of proximity
Design guide phases

Related posts

Playful Cities Design Guide

Playful Cities Toolkit

Proximity of Care shorts: Espacio Lúdico – Sensing the city