Petra Szakonyi

55932391900

Publications - 10

Mapping the Potential of e-Micromobility Vehicles for Sustainable Urban Development – the Case of Győr, Hungary

Petra Szakonyi

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 703-708

Description:

Can the advancement of electromobility (e-mobility) be the key to achieving sustainable development and transportation in urban areas? While electric vehicles typically produce less environmental impact compared to conventional cars—such as reduced noise and air pollution—they still generate various externalities, including congestion costs, accidents, and adverse effects on landscapes and public spaces. In contrast, light e-micro mobility vehicles, particularly e-scooters, have emerged as a new transportation alternative in many cities worldwide and appear to facilitate a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport due to their advantages. However, e-micromobility can only contribute to sustainable urban development if careful planning and development are implemented. This study explores the history, current status, and future potential of e-micro mobility advancements. As part of the primary research, we assessed the socio-economic profiles and usage behaviors of e-micro mobility users in Győr, Hungary. We also examined the share of e-micro mobility users in the modal split, their travel patterns, and their needs and desires. The findings indicated that e-micro mobility vehicles primarily substitute walking and public transport, with fewer trips being made by private cars. Ultimately, the study concluded that a shift from car usage to e-micro mobility is achievable, provided there are suitable policy frameworks and sustainable urban and transportation development strategies in place.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114118

Transport Development Challenges of Brownfield Investments in the Name of Sustainability

Petra Szakonyi Emese Mako

Publication Name: Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Water Energy Food and Sustainability Icowefs 2022

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 36-47

Description:

Reconstruction of brownfield sites is part of the EU cohesion policy, a priority area for EU development funding, and a permanent theme for the Committee of the Regions. Redevelopment of brownfield sites is also a solution to ensure sustainable urban sprawl and land management. One of the main advantages of brownfield investments over greenfield investments is, that on the one hand it is not necessary to build the utility infrastructure and road network because it is already built, and on the other hand the development is land-saving, as it is not necessary to declare new undeveloped areas as construction areas. Another advantage can be mentioned: the investment is implemented and the improvement of the environmental conditions, contributing to the appreciation and sustainable development of the settlement. At the same time, the development of brownfields causes challenges during urban planning. On the one hand, an attractive regulatory environment has to be created in the master plans for investors, usually with a high building ratio, but on the other hand, sustainable transport for the area still has to be ensured for the long term. According to our experiences, in order to satisfy the cost-effective investment intention of investors, there is a need to ensure the maximum build-up density of the area, which generates a much higher transport demand than before, which the existing transport infrastructure and services can no longer fulfil, and therefore capacity expansion will be required. However, to ensure sustainable settlement development, the additional traffic demand generated by the brownfield redevelopment must be served following the methodology and criteria of sustainable transport development. Using the experience of a Hungarian case study, the authors present a new brownfield redevelopment model, which can help decision-makers and planners to make the right settlement planning decisions, apply optimal transport planning criteria and methods, and select the adequate, sustainable transport development tools for brownfield investments, during preparation and implementation.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26849-6_5

Managing Practice Based Teaching of Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) Using Digital Tools During COVID’19

Petra Szakonyi Patrícia Honvári

Publication Name: Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 335-354

Description:

Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) is one of the key element of the new EU Urban Mobility Framework. The European Commission has offered variety of programs in the previous years, such as the Horizon 2020 to support Member States to promote SUMPs in their region, and still offers funding for range amount of sustainable settlement and transport related projects. At the same time Member States are also keen on to maintain the roll out of SUMPs within their national support program, with public transport, walking and cycling at its heart. In the last decade the authors took part in the development of many SUMPs and since 2020 the authors participated in an international, so called UrbanSCOPE—Urban Sustainable Mobility in focus: student education, community involvement and participative planning, Erasmus+ project, that aim was to improve the quality of teaching in universities, by offering students a methodology in the preparation of a SUMP for a locality in their cities, actively involving local communities and local authorities in the process. During the project educational packages: learning materials for students and teaching guides for lecturers were developed, in order to let understand sustainable mobility better, than before and as well as to experience the rights of participation in the planning of sustainable mobility. With the contribution of the authors new digital tools were also introduced for teachers and students during the COVID’19, that helped to rise the efficiency of planning during restrictions and lock down.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-8485-3_14

Evaluation of Human Behaviour at Pedestrian Crossings

Petra Szakonyi Emese Mako

Publication Name: Transportation Research Procedia

Publication Date: 2016-01-01

Volume: 14

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 2121-2128

Description:

Road traffic crashes result from a combination of factors related to the road layout, the vehicles, the road users and the way they interact. First the main causes of pedestrian fatalities and the safety effects of road measures (traffic lights, roundabouts and refuge islands) at pedestrian crossings before and after implementation were investigated. The results indicate that there is a strong evidence for the positive effect of these measures especially on the number of the pedestrian related accidents. In the next phase a site survey was conducted in order to estimate the irregular crossing manoeuvres of car drivers and pedestrians at designated pedestrian crossings. Having analysed the irregular movements according to the type of crossing it was found, that car drivers behave the most irregularly at crossings without a refuge island. Crossings equipped with flashing yellow lights, refuge islands and traffic lights require a much more appropriate behaviour from car drivers. In the next phase of the research the waiting time of pedestrians and the delay of vehicle drivers again at pedestrian crossings were surveyed. Our results suggest that there is a need for a strong contribution of the human and the engineering fields to obtain an even more positive change in the safety of vulnerable road users.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2016.05.227

Defining Correlation between the Modal Split of Inhabitants and Students and the Location of Housing Areas and Schools with the Analysis of Travel Plans

Petra Szakonyi Emese Mako

Publication Name: Transportation Research Procedia

Publication Date: 2014-01-01

Volume: 4

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 271-285

Description:

Across the world there is an increasing interest in managing car traffic. One approach developed for addressing the journey to work is known as 'workplace travel planning'. In the recent years the authors participated in two Intelligent Energy Europe projects (Pro.motion and Travel Plan Plus project) which aim was to deliver transport-sector energy savings by creating travel plans. During the development of the projects two local travel plans were worked out, one for the residential area of Ménfocsanak, in the city Gyor, Hungary and one for the elementary educational institutions of Gyor. The main objective of all these studies were to reduce the problems caused by private car users and more over to promote sustainable mobility choices for target groups. The main objective of these studies were to reduce the problems, caused by private car users and more over to promote sustainable mobility choices for target groups. The results of the projects showed us, that travel plans are effective tools in order to solve mobility challenges in a sustainable way and that land-use methods have strong effects on the success of travel plans.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2014.11.021

Evaluation of travel behaviors in order to prepare travel plans for residential areas and schools of gyor

Petra Szakonyi Emese Mako

Publication Name: Pollack Periodica

Publication Date: 2013-12-01

Volume: 8

Issue: 3

Page Range: 69-78

Description:

The municipality of Gyor participated in the last five years in two Intelligent Energy Europe projects (Pro Motion project, Travel Plan plus project), which aim was to deliver transport-sector energy savings by creating a new approach to site-based mobility management across Europe. During the development of the two projects there has been worked out two Local Travel Plans, one for the residential area Menfocsanak, in the city, Gyor and one for the educational institutions of Gyor. The first one is a so called 'area travel plan' and the second one is a so-called 'work travel plan'. The aims of these studies were to reduce CO2 emission caused by private car users and to promote sustainable mobility choices for the residents of the area and for students. In order to solve the future mobility challenges in a sustainable way it is necessary to analyze the existing travel demand and modal-split caused by target groups (residents and students).It is important to develop Local Travel Plans for residential areas and schools, based on quantitative travel behavior data, which can be used for modeling of current and future transport to provide optimized solutions for daily mobility. It is very important to collect data from various sources according to the needed detail of a Travel Plan.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1556/Pollack.8.2013.3.7

Cognitive Mobility Hubs: Rethinking Sport Infrastructure for Sustainable Urban Development

Petra Szakonyi Richard Szaloki

Publication Name: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Publication Date: 2026-01-01

Volume: 1768 LNNS

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 85-90

Description:

Recent years have seen an increased focus on sustainable urban development in Europe, particularly in brownfield rehabilitation and the preservation of green spaces. Hungary has integrated these priorities into its land-use and transportation planning while emphasizing a healthy environment, promoting active lifestyles, and developing sports facilities. Over the past decade, Hungary has built numerous sports complexes, stadiums, and courts. This study examines how sports infrastructure can foster sustainable mobility and promote integrated land-use planning. Analyzing over 200 projects reveals how well-placed sports facilities can encourage walking and cycling, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The research highlights brownfield rehabilitation for sports to foster innovative mobility and efficient land use, offering policymakers insights into leveraging sports facilities as catalysts for sustainable settlement development.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-13898-9_10

Cognitive Approaches to Multimodal Mobility: Integrating E-Scooters with Public Transport in Győr, Hungary

Agoston Winkler Petra Szakonyi

Publication Name: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Publication Date: 2026-01-01

Volume: 1768 LNNS

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 72-77

Description:

The Public transport and micromobility roles, particularly electric scooters (e-scooters), are increasingly recognised as pivotal for sustainable urban mobility when integrated rather than made to compete. Cognitive mobility behaviour—how individuals select and combine transport modes—was examined through a systematic literature review, traffic counts conducted at peak-hour junctions, and an online survey of residents’ travel habits in Győr, Hungary. It was found that 46% of trips are made by private car, 24% by public transport, 8% by bicycle, 22% on foot, and only 1–3% by e-scooter. E-scooters were observed to be primarily used for short trips and first/last-mile connections, and reductions in car dependence were noted when e-scooters were integrated with public transport. The survey revealed that e-scooters most often replace walking (42%) and public transport (36%), with limited substitution of private car trips (13%). Significant gaps were identified in multimodal integration, infrastructure, legal frameworks, traffic monitoring, and public awareness. It is recommended that multimodal hubs, dedicated e-scooter lanes, improved traffic counting, and clearer regulations be implemented to support modal shift, enhance safety, and maximise environmental benefits.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-13898-9_8

School Streets: Transforming Urban Spaces for Safer Student Commuting

Petra Szakonyi Emese Mako

Publication Name: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Publication Date: 2026-01-01

Volume: 1768 LNNS

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 66-71

Description:

This study provides a comprehensive review of the concept of School Streets, emphasising their role in enhancing traffic safety, accessibility, and community well-being. By analysing successful implementations across several European cities, practical strategies and interventions were identified that facilitate the transformation of urban spaces around schools into safer, child-friendly environments. This is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of School Streets in Hungary through on-site assessments of 30 schools, providing locally grounded, evidence-based recommendations for context-specific implementation. Additionally, the research assesses the feasibility of establishing School Streets in Hungary by examining 30 local schools, considering factors such as existing infrastructure, community needs, and potential obstacles. Tailored recommendations are developed to support policymakers and urban planners in designing and implementing context-specific solutions. The findings underscore the significant benefits of School Streets in reducing traffic hazards, promoting active mobility, and fostering healthier, more engaged communities. Ultimately, this work advances sustainable and child-centric urban mobility practices, offering practical insights for creating safer, more inclusive school environments across Hungary and Europe.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-13898-9_7

Addressing the Urgent Need for E-scooter Regulation in Hungary

Petra Szakonyi Attila Borsos

Publication Name: Periodica Polytechnica Transportation Engineering

Publication Date: 2026-02-09

Volume: 54

Issue: 2

Page Range: 184-193

Description:

The role of electric scooters is becoming increasingly important for sustainable transport development. E-scooters and other light electric vehicles are generally more efficient in urban environments than electric cars, taking up less road space and resulting in lower energy consumption per trip. Our research involved a systematic literature review to investigate the integration of e-scooters into the existing transport infrastructure network. An online survey was conducted to explore public perceptions and usage patterns of e-scooters, assessing factors such as safety, comfort and preferred speeds. The survey presented five different scenarios in two locations, each illustrating different infrastructure solutions for e-scooters. A total of 137 valid responses were analyzed. Our study showed that infrastructure with dedicated space for bicycles should be preferred for e-scooters. Respondents indicated that the safest solution for e-scooters would be to use the bicycle facility where it is provided followed by the sidewalk, while using the traffic lane received a low rating. There were significant differences in the perception of safety and comfort by different user groups, with cyclists being the only group where we found the smallest deviation in safety and comfort ratings across scenarios. Speed limit preferences for e-scooters also depend on infrastructure provision. Speeds of 15 km/h or less are preferred for sidewalks, 15 km/h or more for bicycle infrastructure, and slightly higher for traffic lanes. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for proactive regulation to address the increasing presence of e-scooters on our existing infrastructure.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3311/PPtr.40216