Caucasus Cycling Network:

I, Mar Mikhelidze, am one of the co-founders of the **Caucasus Cycling Network**. What I work on with this team is extremely important to me – raising awareness about cycling in our region and fostering its development in various directions. For anyone who needs consultation, our platform will be there to help, built on the experiences of thousands of people.

One of the co-founders of the **Caucasus Cycling Network (CCN)**. At CCN, we are passionate about bicycles and cycling activities, which is why we created this network. With our enthusiasm, we organize cycling events and contribute to building a cycling-friendly environment in Georgia. CCN's mission is to promote cycling. This includes urban bike commuting, using bicycles as transportation, cycling tours, and cycling competitions. Our group is a large, open platform for all cycling enthusiasts who want to share their cycling tours and experiences. Additionally, we support bike shops and workshops in Georgia, encouraging them to share their activities to further promote cycling culture.

For me, the bicycle is a means of transportation. You don’t consume the world’s resources beyond what you need for survival, and in a city’s heavy traffic, you can often get from point A to point B faster than most other forms of transport. I started cycling in the city six years ago. I found waiting for and relying on public transportation frustrating, so I found my own solution—I switched to two wheels and never looked back! My close connection with cycling was greatly influenced by the cycling community and group rides. I met many cycling enthusiasts with whom I explored some of Georgia’s most remote and breathtaking places.

Since 2012, the bicycle has been my primary mode of transportation. For me, cycling is associated with valuable experiences, countless positive emotions, and wonderful memories. I am happy to share my nearly decade-long experience and contribute to the development of cycling culture, not only in Georgia but throughout the Caucasus.

For me, the bicycle is the fastest way to get around the city. I was only 15 when I first started cycling, and soon after, I met an amazing and friendly cycling community that made me see the world from a whole new perspective. I began discovering new possibilities and quickly realized that cycling would be my only mode of transportation. My bike has given me the opportunity to travel and collect countless adventures. My bicycle is more than just transportation—it’s my best friend.

I bought a bicycle about four years ago just for fun, never imagining that I would ever ride beyond Lisi Lake. However, for the past three years, it has become my primary mode of transportation. Before the pandemic, I found cycling to be a very convenient way to commute to work—just like millions of people worldwide. Four years ago, I only considered riding around Lisi and Turtle Lake, but today, I have visited many more lakes, including Chilis, Chinchao, Kulbaki, Koruldi, Nadarbazevi, and others. Cycling has also introduced me to many amazing friends, making every bike trip an unforgettable experience.

I have been commuting by bicycle in the city for three years. Many people around me can’t even imagine using this eco-friendly transport because of various misconceptions. I want Tbilisi to become a safe place for cyclists, where people use bicycles not only for recreation but also as a daily means of transportation.