How Long Does It Take to Bike a Mile

Updated on October 2, 2023

Cyclists often ask how long does it take to bike a mile? If you have the same question in your mind, then you are in the right place. Because here I am going to answer all the questions related to speed, and the factors that affect the speed of a bike. Beginner cyclists are obsessed to know the average speed of a cycle. Although it depends on different factors such as the brand you are using, bike type, and your skills. But I have found a numerical figure for you. Let’s dig into the details.

How Long Does It Take To Bike A Mile?

It takes 5 to 6 minutes for an average bike rider to cover a mile with 17 mph to 18 mph. Furthermore, the speed of the bike depends on your health and other circumstances such as weather or bike type. Bikes provide you with 30 to 40 mph speed. But you cannot ride a bike at 30 mph regularly. Because of traffic and fatigue, you can only surpass 17 mph speed.

But if you have an electric bike, you might cross 60 mph. Because no thigh force, back force, or foot circulation is contributing to the speed of the bike. Moreover, daily bike riders are trained to pedal the bike for hours. In short, it depends on your experience instead of the bike power.

There are multiple different bikes for running faster or jumping better. These bikes are designed for certain purposes. However, I have collected numerical information about the bikes and the bikers. Here I am listing all the types of bikers and the time in which each one of them covers a mile.

Average Time Taken To Bike 1 Mile

Beginner Cyclists Cycling is a modern way to maintain your health. As well as, it does not consume fuel so, it is an economical option. These two factors are the reason people are widely using bikes. Bikes are used for short distances such as to offices or college. But when passionate people start using it, they find it boring because it is not as fast as motorbikes and cars. As compared to cars and motorbikes, it takes three times more time and energy to work. Well, a beginner takes 6 minutes to travel a mile on the bike.

1. Intermediate Cyclists

After training and biking for 6 months to a year. The cyclist can cover a mile within 3.45 minutes. There is a very interesting reason behind this huge time difference. As we start performing the new behaviors, our muscles get stronger and stronger on a daily basis. That’s why muscles need less force to pedal the bike. If muscles need less force to pedal, you can pedal faster than before. As a result, intermediate cyclists can cover longer distances in a short time.

2. Advanced Cyclists

Then comes the advanced cyclists, the people who are cycling for 3 to 5 years regularly. These people are far better than intermediate bikers. They can cover a mile within 3 minutes. Over time cycling daily becomes our habit. If you are cycling for the last 5 years, pedaling the cycle has become one of the basic behavior. As well as, advanced cyclists have powerful muscles because of daily cycling and are able to pedal faster than naive cyclists.

3. Professional Cyclists

Finally, professional cyclists are sportsmen. These people have nothing in their lives other than cycling. A professional cyclist covers 35000 km yearly, in training, race, and some competitions. They possess the most advanced cycles with cushioning seats, fast rotating tires, and different gear options. Well, a professional cyclist can cover a mile within 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Different Bike Types

1. Road Bike

Road bikes have a lightweight frame, thin tires, and no suspensions on the front or rear side. These bikes are designed to run on paved terrain. Road bikes cannot lift 70 to 80 kg weight because these bikes possess a carbon fiber front fork. These bikes can travel 50 to 60 miles as well as offer 17 to 18 miles per hour speed.

2. Touring Bicycles

Touring bikes are a little different from road bikes. These bikes have longer wheelbases, mudguards, and lights. Plus, these bikes offer different water bottle compartments. These bikes are made of stronger material but touring bikes provide 14 to 15 mph.

3. BMX and Mountain Bikes

These bikes are the most durable and lightweight. Bikers use BMX for jumping and traveling in the mountains. These bikes can bear high pressure and load. However, you can use BMX and mountain bikes for dirt races and ramp cycling. BMX provides 12 to 14 mph speed.

Factors That Affect Your Average Biking Speed

1. Biker’s fitness matters a lot. If the biker is facing health issues, he/she cannot run for long. As well as, gym and thigh exercise can help you a little.
2. The second most crucial factor is the terrain and riding surface. Cycling is easy on paved and smooth roads but unpaved roads work as obstacles for speed.
3. Then comes the type of bike you are using. As mentioned above the road bikes are faster than the 2 other bikes. But each of them is used for a different purpose.

FAQs

Is biking 7 miles in 30 minutes good?

Yes, biking 7 miles in 30 minutes is good for a biker. 7 miles are hard to cover for a beginner but it is not bad. If you are able to cover 7 miles in 30 minutes, you are an advanced cyclist.

Does cycling reduce belly fat?

Yes, it reduces belly fat. But it will take more time than the gym or exercise.

Can biking give you abs?

Well, it is not directly associated with abs building. But it will make your core stronger. A strong core is very helpful for faster cycling.

Is cycling a full body workout?

Cycling is a full body and mind workout. There are limitless benefits of cycling such as improving the cardiovascular system, losing fat, and consuming calories. It relaxes your mind and releases all stress.

Conclusion

An average cyclist can cover a mile within 5 to 6 minutes. Well, it depends on your skills as we have discussed that intermediate and advanced bikers are faster as compared to beginner bikers. But sometimes there are external factors that contribute such as bikers’ fitness and terrain nature. In addition, speed also depends on the type of bike you are using.