> I wonder if it has to do with crime stats being higher.

Yes, crime is higher in the US than in the Netherlands, but that cannot be the explanation. Because crime is the US is much lower than it was three decades ago when children did walk to school.

Do you think the perception of crime/safety might be an explanation? The difference with three decades ago is the ease of information distribution with social media/internet. Most likely also media coverage has shifted more to crime reporting.

If I'm not mistaken Levitt describes this perception of crime in his book, Freakonomics, as well.

There could be some lag involved. The children of 3 decades ago are now having their own children and are deciding their freedoms. I think crime was lower in the US 6 decades ago than 3, so each generation may be reacting slowly to a perceived level of danger.

I think one of the issues now is that there are many more homes with two working parents. It was one thing 30 years ago to let your kids walk to school, wander around the neighborhood, or whatever, if a parent was at home. But without that safety net, I can see why it's a psychologically challenging attitude for parents. (besides the whole media focus on crime exacerbating things).

(I was born in 1977 and walked or rode my bike to school until 4th grade, when I switched schools. I also had a mom who's rule was "go outside and play. come in for dinner when the street lights turn on." I think this was common across the US until the '90s, especially outside of major metros.

But in many American suburbs, car is the only feasible way to get somewhere. So unless the 12-year-olds are driving, it's got to be the parents.

True, the suburbs explain some of it. However, I've been told it would be a big no-no to let your 8 year old play in the park a few blocks away without supervision. Parents who do so are apparently considered irresponsible.

Do note my source is only a single colleague from CA, could of course be an exception..

Not bicycles? Children riding bikes round their neighbourhood is a common sight in American films/TV, the most obvious example is Bart and Lisa Simpson.

I think it depends a lot where you live, and whether it's urban, suburban, or rural.

My kid could definitely bike to school when she gets older. But to get to, say, her gymnastics class, it's 8 miles through heavy traffic with only occasional bike lanes. (In the dark in the rain, at this time of year.)

Kids in rural areas of the Netherlands do bike 8 miles to school, but to do that only for a gym class is probably too much.

And the traffic situation is much more tailored towards bikes compared to most other countries.