Marika Maisuradze's Cycling Story

Cyclist Marika Maisuradze introduces herself first and foremost as a mother:

I have a 16-year-old daughter, Elene. I’m a historian-ethnologist by profession, an artist, and a teacher.

Cycling has been her main means of transport for three years:

I bought my bike while living abroad and shipped it here. After returning to Georgia, I became an active cyclist. I quickly made new friends united by cycling, and we started joining bike tours outside Tbilisi, which we still do today.

I move around Tbilisi by bike almost every day. It’s very convenient I manage my time precisely and I’m never late. Sometimes I even go to school by bicycle.

Of course, she also faces challenges:

There are sections in the city where I need extra caution and attention. Drivers often move unpredictably, and especially when stopping or turning, they don’t use indicators, which creates serious danger for us.

On bike lanes:

Here too, I hope public culture will gradually change so people don’t walk on bike lanes and, most importantly, they don’t turn them into parking spaces. Because of this, I can’t always ride fast on the bike lane there are many obstacles. Still, I feel much more comfortable on bike lanes my priority is clearer there.

Marika’s advice:

For those who are still hesitant and afraid to cycle in the city, I recommend going out a few times with an experienced cyclist. There is also a monthly cycling ride through the streets of Tbilisi you can join. Most importantly, don’t forget safety rules.

The essentials before you get on the bike are a helmet, glasses, and cycling gloves. Wear comfortable clothes, whether trousers or a dress, and ride through the city smoothly, without traffic jams, in the right lane, in the direction of traffic.