What Is the Speed of the Average Cyclist? Full Guide to Typical Cycling Speeds

Understanding the speed of the average cyclist is one of the most common questions among beginners, commuters, and fitness riders. Whether you want to estimate travel time, compare your performance, or simply know what’s considered “normal,” typical cycling speeds can vary widely based on experience, terrain, weather, and bike type. 

In this full guide to typical cycling speeds, you’ll learn what counts as an average pace, how your speed compares to different categories of cyclists, and the key factors that influence performance on the road. Use these insights to benchmark your own rides and discover practical ways to ride faster, safer, and more efficiently.

What Is the Speed of an Average Cyclist?

The speed of an average cyclist typically falls between 10–15 mph (16–24 km/h) for recreational riders, but this number can change dramatically depending on experience, road conditions, and equipment. A true beginner often cycles at around 10 mph (16 km/h) as they build confidence, stamina, and technique. 

As fitness improves, most casual cyclists comfortably reach 15–20 mph (24–32 km/h) on flat terrain, especially with a well-maintained road bike. Highly trained riders, including competitive amateurs and professionals, regularly exceed 20 mph (32 km/h) and can sustain much higher speeds during races or time trials. 

Average Cycling Speed by Situation

Average cycling speed can vary dramatically depending on the rider’s experience, the terrain, and the type of bike being used. Understanding these variations helps cyclists set realistic expectations and measure their progress against comparable rider categories.

Average Cycling Speed by Experience Level

• Beginner: 10–14 mph (16–22 kph) — Ideal for new riders still building fitness and confidence.
  

• Casual / Intermediate: 15–20 mph (24–32 kph) — Typical for regular cyclists riding for fitness or commuting.
  

• Experienced / Club Riders: 18–22 mph (29–35 kph) — Common in organized group rides with consistent pacing.
  

• Competitive Cyclists: 22–28 mph (35–45 kph) — Achievable during training sessions or amateur racing.
  

• Professional Cyclists: 25 mph+ (40 kph+) — Sustained speeds during pro-level races or time trials.

Average Cycling Speed by Situation and Bike Type

• City / Commuting (with stops): 12–16 kph (7.5–10 mph) — Traffic lights, congestion, and variable routes reduce average speeds.
  

• Road Bike: 13–17 mph (21–27 kph) — Fastest among non-assisted bikes due to aerodynamics and lightweight build.
  

• Hybrid Bike: 11.5–13 mph (18.5–21 kph) — Balanced speeds suitable for commuting and recreational riding.
  

• Gravel Bike: 10–15 mph (16–24 kph) — Designed for mixed surfaces, where terrain changes influence pace.
  

• Mountain Bike: Around 10 mph (16 kph) — Lower speeds due to rugged terrain, suspension, and wider tires.
  

• Electric Bike (E-bike): 11–14.3 mph (17.7–23 kph) — Assisted speeds vary based on motor output, battery level, and local speed regulations.

These ranges provide a clear comparison of typical cycling speeds across different situations, helping riders understand what to expect and which factors have the greatest impact on their performance.

Factors That Influence Cycling Speed

Understanding the key factors that influence cycling speed is essential for accurately evaluating your performance and knowing how to improve it. A cyclist’s average speed is shaped by far more than effort alone—everything from the road surface to the bike you ride can significantly change how fast you move.

Terrain

Terrain is one of the most significant factors that influence cycling speed. Flat, smooth roads allow cyclists to maintain a consistent pace with relatively less effort. In contrast, hilly or mountainous terrain forces riders to slow down during climbs due to increased resistance and energy demand. Even though descending can increase speed, it rarely balances out the time and effort spent going uphill, resulting in a lower overall average speed.

Environmental Conditions

Weather and surface conditions can dramatically affect how fast you ride. Wind is often the most impactful element—a strong headwind can slow a cyclist to a crawl, while a tailwind can noticeably boost speed with no extra effort. Temperature and humidity also play a role in performance and comfort. Meanwhile, wet, icy, or rough road surfaces reduce traction and rolling efficiency, making it harder to maintain a high average speed.

Fitness Level and Age

A cyclist’s physical conditioning, power output, and cardiovascular fitness directly influence their ability to maintain higher speeds. Riders with regular training typically have better endurance, stronger muscles, and more efficient pedaling techniques. While age can affect recovery and overall power, consistent training allows cyclists to remain strong and competitive. In general, better fitness equals higher average cycling speed.

Bike Type

The type of bike you ride can significantly impact your speed. Lightweight bikes and aerodynamic road bikes are designed for efficiency and speed, helping riders reach and maintain faster paces. In contrast, heavier city bikes, mountain bikes, or hybrid bikes are built for comfort or off-road stability, which naturally reduces speed due to added weight, wider tires, and greater rolling resistance. Even small differences in components—such as tire pressure, gearing, or wheel design—can influence performance.

How to Find the Right Cycling Speed for You

Focus on Your Personal Cycling Pace

Average cycling speeds offer helpful benchmarks, but your ideal pace depends on your fitness level, goals, and experience. The best cycling speed is the one that supports steady progress—not an arbitrary number.

Train by Intensity, Not Just Speed

Instead of chasing a target pace, use heart-rate zones or power output to guide your effort. Heart rate is easy to track with common monitors, while power provides precise insight if you have the equipment.

Test Your Fitness to Set Training Zones

A simple fitness test using heart rate or power helps you determine your individual training zones. Once established, you can use percentage ranges to choose the right intensity for endurance rides, tempo sessions, or interval workouts.

Balance Your Training for Long-Term Improvement

Most of your cycling time should be spent in the endurance zone, with only about 20% devoted to higher-intensity efforts. The harder the intensity, the shorter the time you should spend there.

Let Your Ideal Speed Develop Naturally

By training with clear intensity zones, your ideal cycling speed will naturally emerge as your fitness improves—helping you ride faster, safer, and more efficiently over time.

Tips to Improve Your Average Cycling Speed

Build Fitness with Smart Training

Boost your average cycling speed by mixing intervals, tempo rides, and endurance sessions. This combination improves power, stamina, and sustained pace.

Strengthen Legs and Core

Stronger legs, glutes, and core muscles help you generate more power and stay stable at higher speeds. Include simple strength exercises like squats, lunges, and planks.

Improve Your Aerodynamics

Lowering your torso, bending your elbows, and refining your hand position reduces wind resistance. Small aerodynamic tweaks can increase speed without extra effort.

Ride with Others

Group rides push you to ride faster and let you benefit from drafting, making it easier to maintain a higher average speed.

Maintain Your Bike

Keep your drivetrain clean, tires properly inflated, and your bike well-fitted. A smooth-running bike makes every pedal stroke more efficient.

Fuel and Hydrate Properly

Balanced nutrition and good hydration help you maintain steady energy levels, preventing slowdowns and supporting faster, more consistent riding.

Top iScooter E-Bikes to Elevate Your Cycling Experience

Image
Model	U1	U2	U4	UCity	M10
Price	£356.99	£468.99	£468.99	£478.99	£488.99
Motor	Peak 500W	Peak 500W	Peak 500W	Peak 500W	Peak 500W
Max Range	40 Miles	65 Miles	55 Miles	55 Miles	60 Miles
Max Speed	15.5 MPH Default, Unlock to 20 MPH	15.5 MPH Default, Unlock to 20 MPH	15.5 MPH Default, Unlock to 20 MPH	15.5 MPH Default, Unlock to 20 MPH	15.5 MPH Default, Unlock to 22 MPH
Default Speed	6.2/9.3/15.5 MPH	3.7/6.2/9.3/15.5 MPH	6.2/9.3/15.5 MPH	3.7/6.2/9.3/12.4/15.5 MPH	3.7/6.2/9.3/12.4/15.5 MPH
Unlock Speed	9.3/15.5/20 MPH	6.2/9.3/15.5/20 MPH	9.3/15.5/20 MPH	6.2/9.3/12.4/15.5/20 MPH	6.2/9.3/12.4/15.5/22 MPH
Battey	36V 7.8Ah (280.8Wh)	36V 13Ah (468Wh)	36V 10.4Ah(374.4Wh)	36V, 10.4Ah (374.4Wh)	36V, 10.5Ah (378 Wh)
Sensor	Cadence sensor	Cadence sensor	Cadence sensor	Cadence sensor	Cadence sensor
Pedal Assist	4-Level Speed Assist	5-Level Speed Assist	4-Level Speed Assist	7-Level Speed Assist	7-Level Speed Assist
Suspension	Rear Suspension	Adjustable Front Spring Suspension Fork+Seat Suspension	Adjustable Front Suspension Spring Fork	Adjustable Front Spring Suspension Fork	Advanced Front Suspension Fork
Brake	Front and rear disc brakes	Front and rear disc brakes	Front and rear disc brakes	Front and rear disc brakes	Mechanical brakes
Tire	14*1.95" Pneumatic Tires	26*1.95" Chaoyang Pneumatic Tires	16*2.15" Pneumatic Tires	26" × 1.95" Pneumatic	26" × 1.95" Pneumatic
Saddle	Urban comfort ergonomic seat	Urban comfort ergonomic seat	Urban comfort ergonomic seat	Urban comfort ergonomic seat	Breathable ergonomic sport cushion seat
Headlight	High output integrated LED, adjustable angle	High output integrated LED, adjustable angle	High output integrated LED, adjustable angle	High output integrated LED, adjustable angle	High output integrated LED, adjustable angle
Tail Light	Wiring LED light	Wiring LED light	button battery	button battery	Rear LED
Rear Rack	None	Supported	Supported	Supported	Suppoted
Fenders	Front and rear full coverage	Front and rear full coverage	Front and rear full coverage	Front and rear full coverage	Front and rear full coverage
Charger	42V 1.5Ah	42V 2Ah	42V 2Ah	42V 2Ah	42V 2Ah
Frame	Alloy steel folding frame	Iron frame	Alloy steel folding frame	Iron Frame	Alloy steel frame
Water Resistance	IP65	IP65	IP65	IP65	IP65
Load Capacity	264 lbs (120 kg)	264 lbs (120 kg)	264 lbs (120 kg)	264 lbs (120 kg)	330 lbs (150 kg)
Seat Height	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable
Rider Height	4'9" ~ 6'1" (150cm ~ 185cm)	5'3" ~ 6'3" (160cm ~ 192cm)	5'3" ~ 6'3" (160cm ~ 192cm)	5'3" ~ 6'4" (150cm  ~ 192cm)	5'3" ~ 6'5" (160cm ~ 195cm)
Bike Weight	51.4 lbs (23.2 kg)	59.5lb (27kg)	58.42 lbs (26.5 kg)	61.7 lbs (28 kg)	45.1 lbs (20.5kg)

Conclusion

In the end, knowing the speed of the average cyclist provides a useful benchmark, but your personal pace will always depend on your fitness, terrain, and training goals. Use average speeds as a guideline—not a rule—and focus on steady improvement through consistent riding and smart training. With time and experience, your own average speed will naturally increase, helping you ride stronger and more confidently on every route.

FAQs

What is the 75 rule in cycling?

The 75 rule in cycling suggests that about 75% of your training should be done at an easy, low-intensity pace to build endurance and improve long-term performance.

Is 25 mph fast on a bike?

Yes, 25 mph is very fast on a bike. This speed is typically reached by experienced or competitive cyclists, especially on flat terrain or during time trials.

What is a typical speed for a person cycling GCSE?

For GCSE-level cycling tasks, a typical speed is around 10–15 mph (16–24 km/h), depending on fitness level, terrain, and riding experience.

Is 14 mph a good cycling speed?

Yes, 14 mph is a good cycling speed for most recreational riders and beginners. It shows solid fitness and is above the average pace for many new cyclists.