CITYWALK2.0 workshop in Nyíregyháza

What can cities do to reduce car traffic and the associated pollution? Why are we so attached to our cars? How can we persuade people to choose walking, cycling or public transport instead of cars whenever possible? How can the design of city streets and public spaces help with this?

These and similar questions are being addressed jointly by European cities within the framework of the CityWalk 2.0 project, supported by the Interreg Danube Region programme, in which Nyíregyháza has been participating since the beginning of 2024. The project aims to expand the professional knowledge of the partner cities, provide space for the exchange of experiences, and thereby promote the spread of sustainable and energy-efficient, environmentally friendly modes of transport. To this end, CityWalk 2.0 proposes specific solutions on how to make streets pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, and what the city can do to shape the attitudes of the city population.

As part of the project, Nyíregyháza is implementing a pilot action. The focus of it is to change the travel habits of the city population by promoting cycling. To this end, we would like to establish cooperation with local high schools and local large companies to launch a Bike2School and a Bike2Work program. Our goal is to make cycling an everyday choice for as many students and employees as possible to get to school/work – for a healthier lifestyle, cleaner air and a sustainable city.

On 29^th April 2025, we invited representatives of the stakeholders to a meeting, where we presented the initiative, shared our plans for the program, and did a brainstorming together about how the invitees could be actively involved in the pilot action. Béla Kézy, Managing Director of MEGAKOM Consulting Office, accredited URBACT expert, and István Gál, the project's professional leader (Municipality of Nyíregyháza), gave a presentation at the meeting.

Within the framework of the pilot, employers/secondary schools compete at city level, and employees/students compete at company/secondary school level to see who is the most committed cycling employer/school and employee/student.

The meeting proved to be successful. A large number of the participants expressed their interest in joining. As a next step, trainings will be held and cycling ambassadors will be appointed from each school and workplace. The challenge will last 1 month and is expected to start in the fall.

#citywalk20 #interregdanube #SustainableUrbanMobility