Your average cycling speed when you ride a bike once a week will significantly differ from when you ride daily. Also, the average bike speed you can reach varies from one person to another due to several factors like age, fitness level, route conditions, and on the type of bike you are riding.
So, the answer to the question – of what the average cycling speed is quite tricky. For instance, if you are still a beginner in bike commuting, your average speed may typically range between 10 and 14 mph. But if you exercise regularly and your endurance level is high, you may easily reach up to 18 mph.
And for professional cyclists, their average bike speed can easily reach 25-28 mph on a paved road. Thus, for determining the average bicycle riding speed, you need to consider certain aspects.
During my initial days of commuting to work, I rode at around 13 mph every day. That’s quite a reasonable speed for a person with a 9 to 5 job and who does not exercise regularly. But after some weeks of bicycling, I made it a point to exercise every morning to increase my fitness level.
Today, I can easily ride up to 18 mph without any feeling of fatigue. But of course, that depends upon the traffic too. On average, my speed drops by about 3-4 mph, depending upon the traffic condition. The clearer the road, the faster I can go. But anyway, let us get back to the average cycling speed and the associated factors.
What is the average bike speed?
In a nutshell:
For most bike commuters, the average cycling speed is between 11-18 mph. So, your average speed may fall in this category as well unless you’re a professional cyclist with athletic records. If your route is about 10 miles, you might take around 40-60 minutes.
Average Road Bike Speed 14-18 mph
Road bikes are built for speed and efficiency, and as a result, they typically have higher average speeds than other types of bicycles. The exact speed depends on factors such as the rider’s fitness level, the terrain, and the weather conditions.
However, most road bike riders can expect to average 14-18 mph (23-29 km/h) on a road bike.
This makes road biking an excellent choice for commuters who want to get to their destination quickly, or for athletes who are looking to push themselves to their limits.
Whether you’re racing against the clock or just enjoying the wind in your hair, a road bike can help you reach your goals.
Average Mountain Bike Speed 10-14 mph
Depending on the type of mountain bike riding you’re doing, your average speed will vary. If you’re just out for a leisurely ride on a flat road, you can expect your average bicycle riding speed to be 10-14 mph (16-23 km/h).
But if you’re hitting the trails and tackling some hills, your speed will be closer to 5-7 mph (8-11 km/h). And if you’re racing in a cross-country event, you could be averaging 10-15 kmh. So it really depends on the situation.
Average Hybrid Bike Speed 12-16 Mph
A hybrid bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike, so it typically has wider tires than a road bike. As a result, the average hybrid bike speed is 12-16 mph (19-26 km/h) on a flat road.
The speed of a hybrid bike can vary depending on the tires, terrain, and rider. For example, a hybrid bike with thicker tires will generally be slower on pavement than a hybrid bike with thinner tires.
Likewise, a hybrid bike ridden on rough terrain will generally be slower than a hybrid bike ridden on smoother ground.
Average E-Bike Speed 15.5 – 20 mph
E-bikes are a great way to get around, and they come in a variety of styles and speeds.
Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assisted, meaning that the motor kicks in to help as soon as you start pedaling. These e-bikes have a top speed of 20mph (32km/h).
Class 2 e-bikes are throttle-assisted, this feature allows you to control the throttle of the ebike to various levels but they still allow an average speed of about 20mph (32km/h) without having to pedal as hard.
Class 3 e-bikes are the real speed kings with a top speed of 28mph.
However, most states and countries enforce some speed limits on e-bikes so they won’t go faster than a certain speed regardless. For instance, in the US the max speed assistance you’ll get from an e-bike is 20mph. At the same time, some EU countries only allow a max speed assistance of 15.5 MPH.
Touring Bike Average Speed 11-15 mph
Touring bikes are designed for long-distance riding, and as such, they are generally built for speed and efficiency.
While the average Touring bike speed will vary depending on the terrain and the rider’s fitness level, most Touring bikes are capable of reaching speeds of 11-15 mph on flat ground.
However, Touring bikes are also designed to be comfortable on extended trips, so they tend to have more upright seating positions and wider tires than other types of bicycles.
As a result, Touring bikes may not be as fast as some of the other options on the market, but they trade speed for comfort and durability.
Gravel Bike Average Speed – 15-16 MPH
Gravel bikes are a type of bicycle designed for riding on unpaved roads. They usually have wider tires than road bikes and often come equipped with disc brakes, making them better suited for riding on rough terrain.
Gravel bikes typically have a similar geometry to a road bike, with drop-style handlebars that allow for multiple hand positions. However, gravel bikes generally have a wider gear range than road bikes, making them less speed-oriented.
As a result, the average speed for a gravel bike is 15-16 mph. Experienced riders can often go much faster, depending on the terrain and conditions. Gravel biking is a relatively new sport, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its unique combination of speed and adventure.
What Factors Affect the Speed of a Bicycle
Let us consider some factors affecting your average speed:
Fitness Level
This is the most crucial factor affecting not only your average cycling speed but everything related to your cycling experience. The higher your fitness level, the better, longer, and faster you can cycle.
If you are a beginner with average fitness, don’t worry! Your fitness and endurance level will increase once you start cycling regularly. However, for that to happen, you need to be consistent and patient.
Rome was not built in a day. But don’t give up and you’ll soon notice the changes. It is normal to get some fatigue, especially on the legs in the first 2 to 3 days. And this is when you are most tempted to quit.
But after a week or two, the pain will subside and even end. So, make sure to be consistent, and after weeks of regular cycling and training, you should see your average cycling speed increasing.
Route Conditions
The route you take and its condition are other factors that affect your cycling speed. You can easily reach up to 18 mph on a smooth paved road as a total beginner. However, that is quite challenging and risky on hilly roads or roads with lots of corners, traffic, or even rough and rocky terrain. There may also be times when you may be route may a slight downhill surface, which would allow you to cycle faster. So always bear in mind that your speed significantly decreases when you ride on an elevated road as compared to going downhill.
Also, in cities, your average speed is affected by different factors like the presence or absence of traffic jams, road signs, pedestrians, etc.
The type of bike you are riding
There are several types of bikes you could have, and each is designed for different purposes and terrain. Also, there are differences in each bike type that dictates comfort and speed. As such, you can expect your average cycling speed to differ greatly.
Additionally, the bike’s weight, geometry, and additional accessories also affect your average speed.
With that said, you can commute on any type of bike. But commuting on the right bike will not only increase your average speed but also improve your overall cycling experience.
You can opt for road bikes or hybrid bikes for your daily commute. These are the fastest type of bikes on paved roads. But if your route involves hilly or rocky terrain, mountain bikes may be a better pick for you.
Weather Conditions
There isn’t much we can do about the weather. However, it is good to keep yourself informed as it is another factor that can affect your average speed. Especially when it comes to wind and the direction it is blowing.
So, while strong tailwinds may greatly help you in increasing your average cycling speed, headwinds are more likely to decrease your speed.
Ride Duration
The length of your bike ride also plays a role in what your average cycling speed will be because of a few factors such as fatigue and terrain.
If you are riding a long distance, your average speed will generally be lower than if you were to ride the same distance in a shorter amount of time.
Additionally, if the terrain is hilly or mountainous, it can slow your progress and take a toll on your energy levels.
With these factors in play, when you average the speed you’ve been riding over the time it took you to ride the distance, you will likely find that your average speed is lower than what it could be if you were to eliminate these elements.
For shorter rides and for rides with more even terrain, focusing on a steady pace can help you reach a higher average speed. Maintaining an even effort throughout the ride will help
Fastest Speed on a Bike Ever Achieved
Denise Mueller-Korenek set the world record for the fastest speed on a bike ever achieved when she rode at 83.93 mph (296 km/h). She accomplished this by drafting behind a custom-built dragster on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Mueller-Korenek’s achievement is an incredible accomplishment, and she is now the proud holder of the fastest speed on a bike ever achieved.
How to Calculate Your Average Speed on a Bicycle?
To calculate your average speed on a bicycle, divide the total ride distance by the total ride duration. This will give you your average speed in miles per hour.
Keep in mind that this number will be an average of your speeds over the entire ride, so it may not reflect your top speed.
However, it can be a helpful measure to track your progress over time. If you find that your average speed is increasing, that means you’re becoming a more efficient cyclist!
What Is The Global Average Cycling Speed?
According to Strava, the global average cycling speed is 13.5 mph (27.72km/h). Strava is a website and app that allows people to track their runs, rides, and other workouts.
The data for this analysis was taken from the Strava website, and it includes the data of287.5 million rides. The average speed was calculated by taking the total distance ridden and dividing it by the total time elapsed.
This average speed includes all types of riding, including racing, training, and leisure riding. So it might not be an accurate representation of the average speed for a given bike or terrain.
For women, the global average speed is 12.1 mph (19.47 km/h). The average global bike speed for men was 13.7 mp/h(22.04 km/h).
FAQ
What is a good average speed on a bike?
A good average speed on a bike is around 10-14 mph. This will vary depending on the terrain, the weight of the bike, and the rider’s fitness level. However, 10-14 mph is a good estimate for the average speed of a typical cyclist.
Is 15 mph fast on a bike?
15 mph is considered to be a fast average for most cyclists, especially those who are not experienced riders.
Is 20 mph on a bike fast?
Riding 20 mph on a bike can be considered fast if you are averaging that across different terrains. However, maintaining this speed will require a lot of practice and experience. Even experienced riders may struggle to keep up this speed over long distances.
Is 25 mph fast on a bike?
Riding 25 mph on a bike can be considered very fast, especially if you are not used to cycling at that speed. If you aren’t a pro cyclist, it can be extremely difficult to maintain this speed over long distances.
Why am I so slow on my bike?
There are many reasons why you may be slow on your bike. Some of the most common reasons are a lack of fitness, an incorrect bike fit, or using the wrong gear.
If you’re not in good shape, it will be much more difficult to ride at a higher speed.
The same is true if your bike isn’t fitted correctly for your body. It’s important to have a bike that is the right size and is adjusted to fit your riding style.
If you’re in too high of a gear, you will be laboring hard to pedal and won’t be able to go very fast. Conversely, if you’re in too low of a gear, you will lose momentum and won’t be able to go as fast. are many factors that determine how fast you can ride on a bike.
By addressing some of these common issues, you can start to ride faster with less effort.
Average Cycling Speed by Age Chart
| Age 18-20 | 17 mph |
| Age 20-25 | 19 mph |
| Age 25-30 | 22 mph |
| Age 30-40 | 19-21 mph |
| Age 40-50 | 15-18 mph |
| Age 50-60 | 12-14 mph |
| Age 60-65 | 11 mph |
Always keep in mind that these figures are only the average cycling speed by age for all riders and aren’t the top speed. It also doesn’t account for your own personal fitness level and the type of bike you are riding.
Conclusion
Depending on all the factors mentioned above, you can easily calculate your average cycling speed. If you are planning to start bike commuting and want to figure out how fast you can get to a destination, we suggest you take a test ride. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the route and also get an idea about your average speed depending upon the various factors.
We suggest you take this test ride on your off day so you won’t have to rush anything. Do not rush, but do not go too slow.
Last Updated on October 13, 2023 by Daniel White