If you’re reading this guide on how long does it take to bike a mile, then you must be planning to either participate in some sort of cycling marathon or you want to use your bicycle for the daily commute. Either way, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide for you on how long to bike a mile and do so successfully.
We’ve taken into consideration some of the most important variables. This includes different fitness levels, physical health conditions, the type of terrain that you’re riding on, as well as the type of bike you’re using.
Read on as we explore how long it’ll take to bike as well as what you can do to improve your speed and performance as well if you like.
Average Time to Bike a Mile
How long does it take to bike a mile on average? It takes an average person about 3 to 4 minutes to cover 1 mile on a bike at an average cycling speed of 17 to 18mph.
This is based on the assumption that you’re riding on even terrain using a quality bike. However, there are other variables to consider. Professional cyclists are so adept and experienced that they can cover double that distance in the same amount of time, and going uphill can really extend that time frame as well due to how challenging it is.
How long does it take to ride a bike 1 mile? Well, it’s also important to consider the weather conditions, the direction of the wind, road conditions, whether or not you’re on an incline, and of course, your fitness level.
While we’re going to cover these conditions in detail, we’re going to start out with the variables of time and distance. As you’ll soon see, the longer the distance, the more challenging it becomes for you to finish the race.
What Affects Bike Speed
As we’ve alluded to above, your ability to go faster on the road depends on a number of different factors. The good news is that you can control some of these variables but others are out of your control.
How Fit You Are
When determining how long does it take to bike 1 mile, your level of physical fitness will determine your ability to perform because cycling is a physically demanding activity that you can measure with the help of a device like Garmin 530 or some other bike computer.
Your previous cycling experience, current exercise route, weight and age range will play a role in determining the distance you’re able to cover in a certain amount of time.
Should you experience fatigue because you’ve covered such a large distance then you should have peace of mind knowing that you can protect it while placing it on your car with a tailgate bike pad.
Senior citizens or even adults that live a very sedentary lifestyle will easily get tired when they start cycling. Beginners are obviously going to have a hard time on rough terrain due to a lack of experience.
Anyone in this category will most likely be able to achieve speeds of 10 to 19mph. Contrast this with professional cyclists who do 25mph on the Tour de France.
Weather and Trail Conditions
When figuring out how long to bike 1 mile, you want to also keep in mind the condition of your biking path. For instance, bike stunts tracks are usually very smooth, dirt paths are rough and uneven, while paved roads are in between.
You might also come across slopes, hills, and bumps along the way unexpectedly. These obstacles can be very demanding on you physically and navigating them successfully means doing so safely.
Weather conditions will also affect your riding speed, especially things like wind speed and flow, rain, and snow. These conditions, when taken to the extreme, can make it unsafe for you to go at high speeds.
One weather condition that you can work with is wind, as going in the direction of the wind can help you to go faster more efficiently. But headwinds can also set you back so it depends on the extremity and position of the wind.
Your Bike
Keep in mind the type of bicycle model that you’re riding, as this will determine its weight, size, and height. Now, these variables are important because they play a huge role in determining the amount of energy required to pedal. For instance, if your bike is too big or too small, then you just can’t get the most out of it.
To determine the best bike model for you, consider your weight and height, as well as any additional items that you need to carry with you. You can use bike panniers or bike trailers for these items instead of carrying them on your back and slowing you down.
One of the fastest types of bikes is the BMX mountain bike which can go up to speeds of 10 mph. Faster still are vintage cruisers which can go from 12 to 15mph, while folding and touring bikes can reach speeds of up to 19mph.
Professionals and experienced cyclists typically opt for the faster road bikes which can reach speeds of up to 17 to 25mph.
Safety Tips
In addition to learning the average time to bike a mile, you want to keep safe on the road while cycling by taking the following precautions:
Wear protective and highly visible clothing items such as a biking jersey and padded riding shorts. These are ideal for comfort and safety as well. Of course, it should go without saying that a helmet is a must.
You should also keep an emergency kit on hand that you carry in your bike, including a bike pump, a tire repair kit, a cell phone, and maybe even a GPS computer.
If you know how to fix a tire, communicate with the outside world, and find directions then you’re well on your way. Always have a full water bottle on hand as well so that you’re able to stay hydrated. This is very important!
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far on a quest to find out how long does it take to bike a mile, then you know that it’s close to impossible to make a cookie-cutter prediction.
As you can see, there are multiple scenarios and variables that play a role in determining the final answer. But, at least now you have the knowledge and information required to know how to determine this for yourself.
You can start by timing yourself on different types of terrain to determine your speed on paved roads, flat terrain, as well as rugged terrain, and mountain trails.