When and how did you decide to switch from driving to cycling as your main way of commuting to work?

To be honest, I only use my car when I really need to. In Varna, where I live and work, the distances aren’t that big — nothing like in Sofia. For me, choosing to drive only makes sense if the commute is really long. Mine never has been.

From that perspective, even ten years ago, this question didn’t really exist for me — I’ve always preferred to walk or cycle to work. There was a time when I lived in a more distant neighborhood, and back then the kids were small. Without a car, it was hard to manage all the daily logistics, so I used it quite a lot during those years.

Now, though, the kids have grown up and can get around on their own. For a while, my younger son and I even cycled to school together — it was close enough.

Overall, the choice between car and bike has never been a big dilemma for me. Still, it does come up occasionally. For instance, before a business meeting, I sometimes ask myself, “Car or bike?” If it’s not too hot, too far, or raining, the bike always wins. The car stays as a backup — only for those days when the circumstances really work against cycling.

Bike2Work Announces the Top 5 Cycling Leaders

What’s the biggest challenge in cycling to work, and how do you overcome it?

The biggest challenge, most often, is that the infrastructure just isn’t built properly. To be fair, there has been some improvement in recent years. A while back, Varna launched the Integrated Urban Transport project, and that’s when the first bike lanes appeared.

They did appear — but in many places, they were built in the wrong way and in the wrong places. In my opinion, the goal back then was to make construction easier for the contractors, not to solve a real transportation problem. The idea should have been to help people feel safe and confident, and to encourage more cyclists on the road.

That said, I have to admit — even though the bike lanes weren’t made perfectly, the number of cyclists has grown since then. However, many of those lanes constantly create conflict between cyclists and pedestrians. In a lot of areas, the lanes were placed on wide sidewalks, which directly takes space away from pedestrians — from parents with strollers, or anyone simply walking.

Sometimes the bike lanes are new and smooth, while the sidewalks next to them are old and uneven. Naturally, a mother with a stroller will choose to walk on the flat bike lane instead of the broken pavement. It turns into a shared space where everyone moves together — and not always safely.

So yes, poor infrastructure is the biggest challenge. I often talk to friends and ask them, “Why don’t you bike to work? It’s not far.” The answer is almost always the same: “I’m scared.” And I understand that, because I’ve been in tricky situations myself.

For example, when Varna built its bike lanes, they made them two-way on one side of the boulevard, instead of one-way lanes on both sides. That creates real safety issues. When a driver exits a side street, they have to cross the bike lane. They look left — where the cars are coming from — but forget to look right, where cyclists might be approaching.

I experienced this firsthand one morning. I saw a driver looking left, assumed he wouldn’t move, and started to pass in front of his car. Just as I was crossing, he pulled out. I ended up on his hood. Thankfully, we both walked away shaken but unharmed. We apologized to each other and went our separate ways.

That incident really shows how important proper infrastructure is. When it’s poorly designed, it doesn’t just fail to help — it actually creates dangerous situations.

What would you change or improve about your route to the office?

Well, this ties in with what we discussed earlier. The most important thing is for the infrastructure and bike lanes to be built in a way that actually serves their purpose.

There’s also something else I’d like to see changed. This question reminded me of an idea I’ve had for a while. I think the law should allow cyclists to legally ride against traffic in residential areas — the smaller streets where there are no big boulevards.

Right now, if you strictly follow the rules, you have to ride in the same direction as cars. I try to do that, but it’s often inconvenient and limiting.

In many European countries, there are already specific signs that allow cyclists to ride in the opposite direction on narrow local streets. It gives you more flexibility when choosing your route, allows for shortcuts, and makes commuting more efficient.

That way, you don’t have to think, “Well, I broke the rules a little again.” If I could change one thing, it would be exactly that. It’s a simple, quick fix that could make many cyclists feel more confident on the road.

Of course, these neighborhoods should also be designated “calm zones” where cars are limited to 30 or even 20 kilometers per hour. Realistically, that’s the change I’d most like to see happen.

Do you manage to inspire your colleagues to cycle or take part in #Bike2Work through your own example?

I hope so! Honestly, I’ve noticed that more and more people are cycling. Just seeing other cyclists on the road is motivating in itself — it shows that it’s possible, and that it’s not something to be afraid of trying.

I haven’t tried to convince people deliberately, although I did tell a friend once, “Come on, give it a try — get on a bike once in a while.” Mostly, I lead by example simply by cycling every day.

I often share photos of my bike or my daily routes on social media. I like to think that, in some small way, that also inspires others to join in.

What do you enjoy most about cycling? How does it feel to ride your bike early in the morning?

Cycling gives me a wonderful sense of freedom. It lets you move quickly from point A to point B without worrying about traffic jams. In an urban environment, it’s often the fastest way to get around.

When you ride regularly, you start discovering your own little shortcuts — stairways, paths, quiet streets. That only enhances the feeling of independence and ease.

Lately, I’ve been riding a city bike that actually belongs to my wife, but I use it more often. I equipped it with panniers, and it’s become my reliable everyday companion — almost a full replacement for the car. If I don’t need to carry anything bulky, I even use it for grocery runs to Lidl and back.

The bike does an amazing job. And the more people choose to move around by bicycle, the quieter, cleaner, and more pleasant our cities will become. There are so many benefits — people just need to realize them and take that first step.

Do you like listening to music while cycling to work? If so, what kind?

When I’m on my bike, I’m almost always listening to something — but not music. Usually, it’s Storytel or a podcast. Music only occasionally. Over the past two or three years, I’ve realized how great it is to combine my commute with something meaningful.

I like listening to content that interests me — an audiobook I never got around to reading when I was younger, or an engaging podcast episode. It makes the ride both productive and enjoyable.

But there’s one important rule I always follow: if you’re cycling and listening, always keep one ear open. I mean that literally — one ear should stay free so you can hear what’s happening around you, especially if you’re on the streets.

Even when I’m riding through the Sea Garden, I still use only one earbud. You need to be aware of what’s happening behind and around you to react quickly and safely.

Listening to music or podcasts while cycling can be a great combination — as long as you do it responsibly.

All this, combined with being in charge of everything and being the leader of a team of colourful people with different personalities becomes an extremely difficult task.

The stress of it all can lead to many negative consequences, such as reduced productivity, poor decision-making, poor work-life balance and even health problems. But there is always a solution. And today, we’ve chosen to introduce you to different ways tech leaders like to relax, according to Insight Global.

Top Ways Tech Leaders Take a Break

Prepare the day before
Before you leave the office for the day, take a few minutes to assess the day ahead. What are your top priorities? When are your meetings? Create a to-do list based on your schedule and projects. This will help release work stress from your brain because you know everything is written down and planned.

Morning routine
When you wake up, don’t immediately check your phone for anything. Social media can be a distraction, and then you end up rushing so you’re not late. Office emails can immediately raise your stress levels when you’ve barely woken up. None of this will help you start your morning off right. Your morning routine can include a short meditation, a quick workout, a healthy breakfast, or anything else that helps you start the day.

Don’t forget the short breaks during the day
It’s important to take breaks during the day, even if you only have a few minutes. This will help you refresh and recharge so you can keep working efficiently. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking a break. If you love your job, remember that to be productive you need to give yourself a minute to breathe every now and then.

Don’t forget to get moving
Don’t be stuck in one place for a long time. If you work from an office, short walks are a must. This will get your blood flowing and improve your mood.

Nature – how important it is
Try to take your breaks outside, whether it’s a quick walk or a casual lunch. The fresh air and sunshine can wake you up and get you unfocused, so you return to work more focused and relaxed. And on weekends, don’t miss out on recharging nature walks. Believe me, it’s the best anti-stress medicine.

More healthy food
A balanced lunch and small healthy snacks during the day can help you maintain your energy and mental focus. Keep snacks like nuts and fruit on your desk so it’s easy to choose healthy foods.

Water, Water, Water
Dehydration can lead to too much fatigue and irritability, so be sure to drink enough water throughout the day. Do you find it difficult to drink plain water? Try flavoring your water with fruit or herbs or drink seltzer water.

How does your working day begin?

It’s spring and my day begins with watering a small garden. I grow some vegetables and greens.

What are the projects that you are working on right now?

We are working on Cardio.AI – AI based platform for automatically ECG annotation and interpretation. One of our direction is the platform for producers of personal ECG devices like watches, bands, patches and etc.

What does your desk look like? Do you have something special on it, eg. mascots, a special glass?

My desk looks usual.

Which programming languages ​​do you use? Where have you studied them?

I’m not a developer. The technology is built around deep learning with generative networks as building blocks and some high-performance analytical back-end on top of the networks output.

How was your interview for the company you are working in?

There were no interview. I have known this company for several years now and when the vacancy came, I immediately agreed. These were just a few questions in the messenger.

What question would you ask for a job interview? Why?

I have never faced with this task.

Are you interested in sports?

Just in sport for pleasure, like skying, snowboarding, hiking

What do you read for fun?

Comments on Facebook.

How do you deal with concentration in a work environment?

I’m trying to find the way how to do this.

What are your hobbies?

Traveling, active holidays, wine, friends.

Which are your favorite sites/books on technology theme?

Startup, technology and science.

Do you attend technological events? Why do you think they are important?

Yes, of course. Many reasons. Mostly, to keep abreast of the latest trends and to find potential clients and partners. Also I like to attend startup competitions, for me its the best way to come with up new ideas.

Where do you think you will be in five years?

I will have my own project with this company.

What are the top books that every programmer should read?

I’m not a programmer, but I prefer classical literature.

Who is your IT guru?

Elon Musk.

What are the things you love in your profession?

Most of all like that when you send a cold email to CEO of some big-big companyes, they answer – sounds interesting, let’s talk. It is very enspiring.

Do you have a pet? What’s his/her name?

I have had, but he died several years ago. 🙁 So sad.