Marika Maisuradze's Cycling Story

"I have a 16-year-old daughter, Elene. By profession, I am a historian-ethnologist and an artist. I am also a teacher."

"I got my bike while living abroad and had it shipped here. When I returned to Georgia, I became an active cyclist. Soon, I made new friends who also shared my passion for cycling. We started going on bike tours outside of Tbilisi, and we still do."

"Cycling is very comfortable for me; I can precisely estimate my travel time and never run late. Sometimes, I even ride my bike to school."

"There are parts of the city where I have to be extra cautious. Cars often drive recklessly, and drivers frequently fail to signal when stopping or turning, creating serious hazards for us cyclists."

"I hope that, over time, the culture of respecting bike lanes will improve. People still walk on them, and, worse, cars use them as parking spaces. This creates obstacles, making it difficult to cycle freely. However, I still feel much safer riding in designated bike lanes, as they give cyclists the right of way."

"For those who are still hesitant or afraid to ride a bike in the city, I recommend going out with an experienced cyclist a few times. There’s also a monthly cycling event in Tbilisi that you can join. Most importantly, always follow safety rules. Before getting on your bike, wear a helmet, sunglasses, and cycling gloves. Choose comfortable clothing, whether pants or a dress, and ride through the city without stress, free from traffic jams, in the right lane, and in the direction of traffic flow."