Alongside democracy, the rule of law, and fair elections, Armenia’s 2018 Velvet Revolution also introduced bikes to the country. Right after prime minister Nikol Pashinyan came to power, footage of him riding a bicycle to work sparked many Armenians’ attention, and the bike became a symbol of Armenia’s democratisation.

In sharp contrast to the former regime, which was known for its excessive use of convoys and an openly lavish lifestyle, Pashinyan's cycling was perceived as a token that the current leader is ”one of us.” Years after first appearing on a bike, Armenia's prime minister has recently urged Armenians to cycle more, sharing videos and photos of himself cycling through the streets of Yerevan. He now even organises early morning bike rides with citizens who share his passion for cycling.

However, the capital, Yerevan, is and always has been overcrowded with cars, with no bike lanes in the city. Consequently, cycling in Yerevan is only possible when the city is still asleep, and the streets are clear of cars. Nevertheless, the Yerevan municipality plans to follow the example of other European cities and introduce bike lanes in the future. The timeline, however, remains uncertain. Introducing bus lanes to the city and improving Yerevan’s overcrowded public transportation are of higher priority at the moment.