ENCOURAGING BICYCLE MOVEMENT IN GEORGIA BASED ON THE EXAMPLE OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

In various countries around the modern world, transportation is one of the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This sector negatively impacts the quality of life in urban areas, as it pollutes the air, causes unwanted noise, and exerts harmful effects on soil layers. Ultimately, this leads to land degradation, making it unusable for agricultural and other activities.Excessive traffic, congestion, and road accidents are directly linked to human health, posing a significant threat to the normal existence of humanity. In many countries, this situation causes public dissatisfaction, which is often expressed through various forms of protest. In major cities and global metropolises, there is a continuous, dynamic process of modernizing the transportation sector based on rapid, planned, and contemporary technologies, while also incorporating global approaches and innovations. A key component of ongoing urban planning projects is the implementation of large-scale, diverse infrastructure mobility, including the strategy for accommodating bicycle traffic and establishing cycling facilities. Bicycle use and the development of cycling systems occupy an essential place among the core components of city master plans.The resolution of these issues is directly related to governance structures that establish the necessary conditions for infrastructure development and the complete arrangement of safe bicycle lanes.Using Georgia as an example, it can be noted that for the first time in the Caucasus, and even on an Asian scale, the "Bicycle Policy Audit" (BYPAD) methodology was applied in the development of Batumi's general plan. As for the situation in Tbilisi, it can be said that in terms of bicycle infrastructure development, bike lanes were established for the first time in the city's history in recent years, which should be considered one of the successful outcomes of the transportation reform. In the case of Georgia, it can be noted that the city of Batumi, during the development of its master plan, became the first in the Caucasus and across Asia to apply the methodology of the "Bicycle Policy Audit" (BYPAD). As for the situation in Tbilisi, in recent years, for the first time in the city’s history, bicycle lanes have been established, which should be considered one of the successful outcomes of transportation reform.Using qualitative research methods, this article examines the ways leading European countries promote bicycle use, including the implementation of state policies, the provision of appropriate legislative frameworks, the development of cycling infrastructure, and safety measures, as well as public awareness campaigns. The study analyzes the current situation in Georgia, ongoing legislative and educational initiatives, and infrastructure projects, identifying future activities planned to encourage cycling in the country.