CityWalk project partner, Petra Szűcs, won an award with her scientific research on walkable cities. We asked here a few questions about her motivation and research results. 

When and how did you meet first the topic of walkability?

Petra: I met with the topic first on 23 September, 2015. I remember this date properly since we were travelling to the Kick-off event of the Danube Transnational Programme to Budapest when Miklós Lukovics mentioned me this amazing topic, which would be interesting to work on.

What was your motivation to start to work on this topic?

Petra: I got interested in the topic the first I heard about it, since I personally like walking and I practise it quite frequently. Not to mention that I always wanted to do research on a topic that I truly like. In my opinion, it is very interesting that originally the cities were designed with people, walking in mind and then cars came and took over control. Therefore, it is a very controversial issue nowadays. I have found eye-catching statics as well, which support the previous statement. Just to mention the most shocking one: in every minute, 96% of the cars in the USA stand still and only 4% of them move, contrary to the fact that they are made to help mobility.

Who helped your research?

Petra: Miklós Lukovics was my biggest professional help when conducting the research; he helped me to find the best directions and always gave me very helpful suggestions. Yet, I also have to mention Béla Kézy, who helped me with his knowledge of the topic and Beáta Udvari, who also contributed to the success of my work. Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to my interviewees, such as Miklós Oláh from the City Hall of Szeged and Péter Patócs from Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt. Moreover, I have to thank some people from all over the world, who first answered to my inquiry e-mails and provided me with the necessary data, like Michael Southworth, Kim Irwin from Health by Design, Ángel Navarro from City Hall of Valencia or the colleagues from downtown Tulsa, who sent me Jeff Speck’s newest talk, which we shared on our Facebook page – RRI.HU – Responsible Innovations. All of their information is very useful during the implementation of the CityWalk project.

Petra: How can you use your research results in the CityWalk project?

A part of my research has been done in the frames of the project, so its results will find shape in the deliverables. Furthermore, I believe that my research results can significantly contribute to the CityWalk project. As we, the First Hungarian Responsible Innovation Association is the responsible partner for WP4 my research results can be used mostly during this phase and in preparing other project outputs, too. Here, I would like to highlight again the importance of the international network that I have in connection with our topic, which is very useful.

What is your main message based on your research to CityWalk partners?

Petra: I would like to ensure you all, that this topic is far than worth working on and I truly believe that with this project we can have great achievements and create a better environment for many people.