Evaluating the Relevance of Residential Neighborhoods in the city of Riyadh to the Concept of Child-friendly Cities

Abstract

Riyadh has developed exponentially during the last four decades. This has resulted in the transformationof its traditional, compact urban form that adhered to human scale, into a car oriented city of modernthoroughfares and freeways. The high dependency on the automobile has been at the cost of neglecting othermodes of travel, particularly walking. Modern land subdivisions lack pedestrian routes, hence discouragewalking and community life, especially for children. This has resulted in the loss of children’s urban spacesand exposed them to high rates of traffic accidents.This paper investigates road and pedestrian networks and neighborhood services provisions in Riyadhto determine the possibility of developing a children-friendly environment. A field survey of 12 neighborhoodshas been undertaken throughout the city, complemented by a questionnaire for male and femalestudents in four neighborhoods to identify perceptions and needs of pedestrians within their respectiveneighborhoods. The paper highlights several challenges to realize a truly “child-friendly city” concept. Itconcludes with recommendations to bring about a safer road network, emphasizing pedestrians and sufficientresidential services conducive to livable and safe communities for children.