Tbilisi, where a significant portion of Georgia's population resides, is naturally characterized by heavy traffic. For cyclists navigating the city, the primary challenge is ensuring safe movement.

"Safety First" – this is the principle behind the map we’re discussing.

However, several issues persist, including:

• The absence of ramps in critical locations;
• Unmaintained sidewalks that are often used as parking spaces;
• A lack of pedestrian crossings and traffic lights;
• Construction zones where pedestrian pathways are unavailable, forcing people to walk on the streets;
• Underground and overground "bridges" that are impractical for cyclists.

These issues create discomfort and, in some cases, safety hazards.

Let me share how the idea for this map was born: Doug Morris, an American author who has written guides about various European cities, visited Tbilisi. He wanted to use a bicycle here, just as he does elsewhere, but was confronted with the reality that many of you living in Tbilisi know well.

Subsequently, with the involvement of several experienced cyclists and the "Caucasus Cycling Network", a map was created. This map allows safe travel from Tbilisi’s farthest western point (Tbilisi Mall) to its farthest eastern point (the airport), using sidewalks, bus lanes, bike paths, and less congested streets. According to Doug, weekends are the best time to use these routes because traffic is lighter.

To use the map effectively, here’s what you need to know:

• Purple lines indicate bike paths or bike lanes on streets.
• Blue lines represent sidewalks, where cars are not supposed to drive, although reality may differ slightly.
• Green lines denote recommended, less congested roads where cycling is relatively safe or bus lanes.
• Yellow lines indicate areas where extra caution is required because vehicles move at high speeds.
• Red lines mark streets that are unsafe for cycling due to heavy traffic.

Symbols on the map provide additional information:

• A "?" symbol contains useful details for cyclists crossing a specific area.
• A "star" highlights locations where minor infrastructural changes, like adding pedestrian crossings, are needed to ensure the continuity of the cycling network.
• A "bicycle" symbol marks places requiring major infrastructural improvements by Tbilisi City Hall to build proper bike paths, which are entirely feasible in those areas.

The map also includes everything we believe could be useful for cyclists: bike repair shops, stores, drinking water fountains, public restrooms, and tire repair stations.

When you open the map, you’ll find comments with detailed descriptions of streets, intersections, or sidewalks. Currently, these are available in English, and Georgian will be added soon.

The map is still a work in progress, and we hope Tbilisi City Hall will contribute to solving the aforementioned infrastructural issues. In some cases, minimal costs and efforts are required to make Tbilisi a more bike-friendly city than it is today.