Biketoworkday is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

How Long Does It Take to Bike a Mile? – The Average Time


Written by Gary Johnson / Fact checked by Henry Speciale

how long does it take to bike a mile

Have you ever wondered how long does it take to bike a mile? It may be rare for recreational bikers to track their one-mile feat. However, it is still considered good practice to know how much time you take to get past one mile.

The standard is only three to four minutes of cycling at speeds of 17 to 18 miles per hour. However, there are more factors to consider. So, it may go beyond or under the stated time.

average-biking-speed-per-mile

How Long Does It Take to Bike a Mile: The Average Time

bike-1-mile

It only takes three to four minutes to bike a mile on average, given that you go at speeds of 17 to 18 mph. However, you can only achieve this feat if you have a good bicycle. Biking on flat terrains is a bonus.

Your health also plays a part in your cycling. If you are healthy and have good endurance, you may even reach one mile in less than three or four minutes. Thus, we can really conclude that the answer varies for every individual.

For instance, professional bikers and enduro riders can cycle more than a mile within three or four minutes.

On the other hand, average cyclers that bike leisurely usually take six minutes to bike 1 mile, provided that they go at 10 miles per hour. You can also cover one mile within five minutes if you have an average biking speed per mile of 12mph.

I listed down all the average biking times depending on the terrain and the biker. So, check them out.

  • Usual daily ride: 6 mins.
  • Level roads: 3 to 4 mins.
  • Downhill race or contest: 1 minute
  • Professional bikers: 2.14 mins.

You can also check this video for a more thorough explanation of mile coverage. These differences depend on many factors that affect your biking speed, which, in turn, affects the time needed to cover a mile.

I will explain them one by one, so stay tuned. Here are the factors that I will cover:

  • The terrain or trail you bike on
  • Your fitness
  • Your bike type

The Terrain Matters!

The road affects your speed. If you are going on a sharp, sloping hill, it will take around seven minutes to go up and one minute or so to go down.

It’s a whole lot easier when you cycle on flat asphalt roads than go on mountain bike trails in the forest. That’s because boggy and tacky mud pools can slow you down, and I never recommend passing your bike through these puddles.

However, if you are an enduro biker or an extreme mountain cyclist, you can easily pass through forests and hills in autumn, thanks to the dry leaves that replace the muddy puddles.

The Biker’s Fitness

Aside from the road inclination and condition, the person’s fitness also plays a part.

With much experience, I can say that our physical health and experience play a more crucial part than our biking gears and our bike type. Our fitness is what our average bike speed greatly depends on.

Average Bike Speed for Different Bikers

biking-times

The biking speed determines how far you go or how much distance you will cover.

Recreational bikers usually stroll around their neighborhood during their free time at 8 miles per hour on average. You can easily see improvements for commuters who have been riding for one month.

Beginners who biked for a month can average 10 miles per hour, but after 4 to 6 months of continuous commute or biking, they can ace an average of 12 to 14 miles per hour.

Average cyclists with intermediate biking skills average around 15 to 17 miles per hour, while veterans can average between 18 to 21 miles per hour. That’s because they like to go as quickly as possible while maintaining their maximum comfort level.

Lastly, professional bikers can easily ace an average speed of 25 miles per hour.

Achieving this is not easy, though. You have to regularly train and work your leg and limb muscles. Bikers also tune their bicycles properly to obtain the possible optimum speed.

If professionals can do it, then anyone, including you, can also increase your average speed by doing these few changes.

You can easily reach miles without noticing if you plan to bike for one hour. In fact, you will even have more time to enjoy the landscape and scenery along the road.

Different Bike Types

There are different kinds of bicycles that serve various uses and characteristics. Of course, each comes with pros and cons, too. Having the right bike can also affect your average speed on the road.

In this part, I will elaborate on some bike types and their unique features.

1. Road Bike:

bike-a-mile-casually

Road bikes have thin tires attached to an elegant frame. It usually comes with a short wheelbase and drop or flat handlebars. Plus, this bike type is available in various sizes for all cyclists.

A road bike’s top speed is directly proportional to the cyclist’s comfort. So, choose this bike only when you’re really comfortable using it. It offers an average speed of 17-18 miles per hour and can travel for 40 to 60 miles.

Heavy riders have a chance to outpace lighter ones on straight and slightly downhill roads.

However, they might have a hard time on steep ascents and descents with sharp angles. But even heavy riders can control the speed if they have good handling skills and are comfortable with the bike.

2. Touring Bicycles:

fastest-mile-on-a-bike

If you love to go on long trips, this two-wheeler is for you. It is ideal for carrying cargoes thanks to the bike’s vast frame triangle supported with a robust bike structure.

Touring bikes can run from 13 to 14 miles per hour and can travel 30 to 60 miles.

3. BMX and Mountain Bikes:

average-person-bike-in-an-hour

BMX and MTBs are some of the bikers’ favorites due to their everlasting comfort that comes at an affordable price. BMX and MTBs also have a broad range of equipment ideal for climbing.

Aside from that, you can use this for street biking, dirt races, and ramp cycling. They have an average speed of 10 mph and can travel between 15 and 20 miles.

But, a BMX bike is not ideal for commuting due to its low seating position that may cause discomfort on all distances. Mountain bikes also run slower than road bikes.

4. Cruisers:

average-biking-speed-per-mile

Are one of the old bike types that are surprisingly convenient to bike on. Cruisers are most used on the beach or when people love to go shopping. Its single gear is ideal for flat terrains, accompanied by wide bike seats and wheels.

They also come with upright handlebars that are ideal for scenery viewing when you go on bike trips. Cruisers can reach 12 to 15 miles per hour and can travel for 15 miles.

5. Folding Bikes:

bike-a-mile-on-average

Are space-saving bikes famous for tidy bikers. If you are worried about storing your bicycle, then this one is the best option for you. The bike frame, handlebars, and tires can be hinged together.

It fits in a regular box, allowing you to bring it on trains, your car, or a city bus. You can go at 15 to 19 miles per hour with this bicycle and travel from 10 to 25 miles.

Bike Gears

Your gear is as crucial as your bike type. It affects your average biking speed, so I highly recommend getting the proper equipment when you want to take your cycling to a whole new level.

Wearing pads and a helmet is a must! If you have no helmet, you can check out OutdoorMaster’s Cycling Helmet.

Safety Tips

  • Wear proper clothing to keep you safe.
  • Always bring an emergency kit with repair tools.
  • Bring your phone and bottled water anywhere.
  • Check your bicycle before you ride.

Conclusion

Now you know “how long does it take to bike a mile”.

Take your bicycle to a challenge and increase your average biking speed with the things I mentioned in this article. Of course, you will also need some serious determination. Don’t forget to wear proper gear, like OutdoorMaster’s Cycling Helmet.

Some handy tips to remember:

  • Use a bike type that works for you.
  • Wear proper gear and bring your phone anywhere.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Do some bicycle tuning before biking.
5/5 - (3 votes)