Indian parents' perception of children's independent mobility in urban neighbourhoods: a case study of Delhi

Parents' role, as primary decision-makers, is critical in granting independent mobility permissions to children within local surroundings. This paper aims to explore the parental perception of children's independent mobility (CIM) and the influential urban policies taking the case of an urban neighbourhood in Delhi. The study looks at CIM from a three-lens perspective of concept, concern and challenges. Qualitative interviews were conducted with fifteen parents of children aged 7-12 years, on their understanding of CIM and to obtain CIM license scores. The content analysis reveals that CIM is not only a complex but also a conditional phenomenon, with conditions of 'time' and 'location' as decisive factors. Lack of trust in children's independent travel to school and the use of public transport were identified as unique challenges affecting overall CIM. Concludingly, by placing the voice of parents at the forefront, this study positions India on the emerging map of CIM domain.