Whether you are planning to be cycling to work daily or you are a beginner cyclist, this article will give you enough insights that will help you answer many questions that you may be having about the anticipated biking experience.
If you are wondering how long it takes to bike a mile, you should first know that this depends on several factors that include the rider’s condition, the type of bike, and the kind of terrain you are cycling on.
We will look at the average time it will take to bike a mile, different factors that affect the biking speed, safety tips when biking, and the benefits of cycling.
Table of Contents
- 1 How Long Does It Take to Bike a Mile?
- 1.1 How Long Does It Take To Bike 3 Miles?
- 1.2 How Long Does It Take To Bike 5 Miles?
- 1.3 How Long Does It Take To Bike 10 Miles?
- 1.4 How Long Does It Take To Bike 20 Miles?
- 1.5 How Long Does It Take To Bike 100 Miles?
- 1.6 Factors That Affect Bike Speed
- 1.7 Safety Tips When Biking
- 1.8 Must-Haves For A Cyclist
- 1.9 Health Benefits of Biking
- 1.10 Obesity Control
- 1.11 Reduce Chances Of Cardiovascular Disease
- 1.12 Reduce Chances Of Cancer
- 1.13 Reduce Chances Of Diabetes
- 1.14 Conclusion
How Long Does It Take to Bike a Mile?
It takes an average of three to four minutes to bike a mile. A healthy person riding a bike of a decent quality will ride a bike at 17 to 18mph when riding on a flat and even terrain. Considering that the speed varies on different issues, you should realize that the speed varies for everyone.
Professional bikers can cycle at 2 miles for the four minutes it takes an ordinary cyclist to cover a mile. On the other hand, a person cycling for leisure can take up to 6 minutes to ride a mile. Also, when you are riding on a hilly road, you can take about 7 minutes to complete a mile when going up. When cycling downhill, on the same road, and using the same bike, you can use about a minute to complete a mile.
The cycling speed also depends on the wind direction, a person’s fitness, the incline of the road, and the weather. Let’s get into the details of these determining factors later. For now, let us see how long it will take to cover longer distances.
You cannot tell the time it will take to cycle for longer distances because it is not a matter of simple divisions and multiplications; the longer the distance, the more factors will affect your cycling experience.
How Long Does It Take To Bike 3 Miles?
Using the aforementioned average time to bike a mile, it will take a cyclist around 12 minutes to cover 3 miles. For a professional cyclist, the cycling distance that they will cover using the same time is about five miles because they are much faster.
How Long Does It Take To Bike 5 Miles?
When biking on an even road, it can take about 15 to 20 minutes to bike for 5 miles. You can take a longer time when you are cycling for leisure, enjoying the surroundings.
How Long Does It Take To Bike 10 Miles?
Many people will find it hard to bike at a consistent speed when biking for 10 miles. You will need to slow down at some point and take short breaks. Doing the math, you will need around 30 to 40 minutes or more than an hour to complete your 10-mile journey.
How Long Does It Take To Bike 20 Miles?
More distance means you will take more average riding time. Although a professional cyclist can cover 20 miles in less than an hour, an average person will need to cycle for about an hour, two hours, or more to cover 20 miles, considering the breaks and the changing cycling speeds on different road conditions.
How Long Does It Take To Bike 100 Miles?
Are you planning to bike for 100 miles? Then brace your stamina and your physical and mental endurance. Cycling for 100 miles will take you 4 to 10 hours, and be sure that you will be exhausted afterward.
Factors That Affect Bike Speed
At the end of the day, your biking speed will be determined by quite a number of factors. While some of these factors can be controlled,such as your body fitness and the kind of bike you are using, some factors are beyond control. One of the factors that you cannot control is the weather patterns, and you have no other option but to deal with it.
Biking is a physical activity; therefore, your physique will be a factor that will determine the quality and the speed of your cycling. Different factors, including your weight, age, workout routine, and cycling expertise, all affect your skill and endurance that determine the distance you will cover within a short time. Some cyclists get exhausted after riding for very short distances, while others remain strong throughout the entire time.
An older person who has grown weak due to age and lack of exercising will be fatigued faster than a younger person, especially the one who works out regularly. A beginner may also have trouble riding at high speeds because they may still struggle to maneuver the bike, cycling at high speed, and trusting themselves on a bicycle. Most beginners ride at a speed of 10 to 15mph. Professional riders, on the other hand, can ride up to 25mph.
Weather and Road Condition
Going uphill is always hard, whether you are running, walking, or driving. The same applies when you are cycling. When you are riding uphill, it will take extra strength for your bicycle to go at high speed, especially if your bicycle does not have the parameters of changing the slope settings as mountain bikes do.
Also, an uneven road will lower your cycling speed. When you are cycling on an uneven road with a rougher surface and a dirt path, you will have to go slower to ensure you are safe. Riding on such terrain at high speed does not only put your safety at risk, but you also risk damaging your bike and ruin your cycling altogether.
The weather condition and the wind direction is also a factor that will determine your riding speed. The roads become slippery on a rainy day. You will ride faster on a slick road, but it will also pose a risk to your safety since the rain reduces visibility. A windy day will either reduce your cycling speed or reduce it depending on the direction of the wind. When the wind blows towards the direction you are cycling to, you will cycle faster than when you are cycling against the direction of the wind.
Type of bike
The height, weight, size, and the type of bike that you are riding are also a significant factor that affects the amount of time it takes to bike a mile. A heavy bike will need you to use more energy to pedal. On the other hand, a bike that is too small will not enable you to use your body muscles well, so you will find that you ride slower on such a bike. A good bike lets you glide smoothly, and it will not slow you down if everything else is in favor of your cycling experience.
Different types of bikes offer different services in terms of comfort and speed. The most common types of bikes, mountain bikes, usually achieve up to 10mph. On the other hand, the old-style cruisers go at a much higher speed of up to 15mph. Folding bikes and touring bikes can achieve high speeds that go up to 19mph. Then the road bikers and racers can achieve a speed of up to 25mph.
So if you thought that a bike is just a bike, think again because the type of bike you are using will greatly determine the amount of time to bike a mile.
Safety Tips When Biking
So you have made up your mind that you are heading out to have a bike ride. Whether you will be riding for pleasure or riding to work, whether you are a pro or a beginner at cycling, preparation is vital so that you can have a nice journey and arrive safely at your destination.
We have compiled a list of must-haves that you need to adhere to so that you can have a safe and comfortable ride as you cruise around.
Must-Haves For A Cyclist
Of course, you need the bike and gear- a good quality bike suitable for your terrain will enhance your riding speed and efficiency.
- Helmet- Don’t forget your helmet behind, even if you are riding for a short distance. Accidents like falls never come with warnings.
- Lights- You need backup light just in case you underestimated the time you will be back. When the night sets in, you will still be able to bike to your destination.
- Lock- should you need a toilet break, you can pack your bike safely and attend to your call of nature.
- Bike maps and bike notes- ensure that the map you have has bike lanes.
- Biking tools and accessories- you need more tools like bike pumps, flat fixing tools, tubes, handlebar phone mount, biking clothes, and bicycle rules.
Biking along city streets means that you will be riding alongside cars and your fellow cyclists, which pose many challenges. You need to ensure that you obey both the general traffic rules and biking rules.
- Ensure that you have a helmet. Be sure that you are visible; use bike lights, and wear bright clothes, especially those that reflect light.
- Use a signal whenever you need to turn. Use your hand to signal other cyclists and drivers to tell the direction that you are going and be sure that they understood your point before you go.
- Always be alert checking out for any obstacles and other road users
- Always ride in the right direction, do not bike on the wrong side of the road.
- Avoid allowing any destruction that will make you lose concentration. For instance, avoid listening to music or using your phone.
- Be keen on parked cars; ensure that the door will not swing open
- You should also test your bike before cycling. Ensure that the breaks, tires, and wheels an in proper working condition.
- Carry some snacks and water. Ensure that you keep constantly hydrating to avoid dehydration. Hydrate before, after, and during the journey. Carry a water bottle and fill it up when it runs dry. However, when you need to hydrate, you should ensure that your concentration is still on the road it has not shifted to the water.
Health Benefits of Biking
Cycling can improve both mental health and physical health. Riding also improves the body’s ability to resist some health conditions.
Cycling offers sufficient weight loss and weight control opportunities. It also improves your metabolic rate, burns body fat, and builds muscles.
Cycling twice a day builds up the number of kilojoules that you burn. You don’t need to cycle for so long to achieve weight loss and weight control. It would be best if you had consistency, like thrice or for times every week.
Reduce Chances Of Cardiovascular Disease
Cycling reduces the chances of suffering from cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Cycling regularly improves your lungs, heart, and blood circulation, thus reducing the risk of contracting cardiovascular complications.
Reduce Chances Of Cancer
Many researchers a relationship between cancer and cycling and concluded that cycling reduces the chances of suffering from breast and colon cancer. It also reduces the chances of reducing bowel cancer.
Reduce Chances Of Diabetes
One of the major causes of diabetes is a lack of physical activity. Cycling is a physical activity that engages most parts of your body. Therefore, it is a good physical activity that will reduce your chances of getting diabetes.
I bet that’s almost all you needed to know about cycling. You will take 3 to 4 minutes to bike a mile, but you have several factors to consider before estimating the amount of time you need to cover a certain distance. Since cycling is healthy, do not get lazy. Think of your weight, physical and mental health, and all the benefits you will reap from riding your bike. The benefits are amazing. You cannot resist. Get on that bike and ride away!