Average Cycling Speed by Age

Updated on August 18, 2022

Cycling Average Speed & Age

First and foremost, the power production of a cyclist is directly tied to his cycling speed, and as the cyclist ages, his power output drops, and therefore his riding average speed.

Science Behind Calculating The Average Speed 

Indirectly, the average speed is related to age.

The average speed of a cyclist is directly proportional to the power production and resisting forces that the cyclist exerts.

The sum of the opposing forces must be calculated in order to complete the formula’s necessary variables.

On a bike, you’ll encounter a number of opposing forces:

• Gravity
• Aerodynamic.
• Tire rolling resistance.

The following forces will be briefly discussed to give you a sense of what is preventing you as you cycle.

Please check out this post for further information if you are interested in calculating it on your own.”

What are the average cycling speeds for different ages?

The graphic below illustrates the average riding pace for different age groups, and it’s clear that anything less than 20 mph is dangerous. Your average riding pace is therefore too sluggish if it falls below that threshold! The 20mph or 32km/h speed limit is a good one to keep in mind when out on the road.

It gives the driver adequate time to escape risky situations, such as motor vehicle crashes and slippery conditions like sand or mud. Off-road cyclists can safely go at speeds of 12-16 mph (19-27 km/h) when riding through forests, trails, or parks.

Average cycling speeds by age chart:

Age	Average Speed – mp/h	Average Speed – km/h
18 – 23	22	35
24 – 39	20	32
40 – 54	18	29
55 – 64	16	25

As you can see by comparing the various age groups, your average cycling speed declines as you become older. This is due to the following factors:

• It is quite easy to gain weight (particularly if you don’t do any kind of exercise)
• Training too little (not riding often enough)
• This chart should have shown several intriguing tendencies, such as an ageing body’s decreased physical strength and endurance. You’re welcome!

Distance covered

The average pace you can maintain while cycling depends on how far you have travelled. Typically, shorter rides are ridden at a faster average speed, whereas longer rides tend to be more laid-back. However, for the more experienced cyclist, shorter rides are sometimes employed as a form of rehabilitation, with rides lasting no more than an hour.

By stating that it’s pointless to compare your speed to someone who’s ridden more or shorter distances than you have.

Average Cycling Speed for Beginners

Beginners should anticipate to average 12mph on short-distance rides. On the basis of modest training, most beginners can reach speeds of 10-12 mph on average.
– A 20-30 mile ride at an average speed of 15-16 mph is reasonable for riders who have been riding for at least six months.
– Riders with at least one year of experience should be able to maintain an average speed of 16-19 mph for 40 miles or more without difficulty.
– Over the course of a 50-mile ride, an experienced club rider should be able to maintain between 20 and 24 mph.

The average speed of a new cyclist or a rider who cycles 1-2 times a week may never exceed 15 mph. In most cases, this is due to a lack of training or a difficult terrain. While cycling is a great way to get outside and live a healthy lifestyle, the most important thing is to have fun. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your average speed is; you must continue to have fun with it.

What’s a Good Average Speed for Cycling?

Each person tries their best and strives for perfection in all they do. In addition, it’s critical to understand what your comfortable average speed is. Beginner riders can typically reach speeds of 10–12 mph with only minimal training. However, a skilled driver may reach speeds of 15 to 16 mph under particular circumstances. Professionals, on the other hand, are capable of speeds of 16–19 mph. Club riders, on the other hand, are capable of reaching speeds of 20 to 24 mph. As a result of their constant training, as well as

Tips to Improve Your Average Cycling Speed

If you find that your cycling speed is lacking, the following suggestions can help you improve your riding efficiency:

Here are some pointers to help you increase your overall riding speed. Get on your bike and adjust it so it’s a perfect fit for you first! To achieve this, the seat height should be adjusted so that your knees are slightly bent when your feet are flat on the ground.

Drafting

Using another cyclist’s slipstream as a propulsion source, drafting is a common cycling strategy. It is possible to maintain a higher speed for a longer amount of time while conserving energy by using draught.

Cadence

Cadence is one of the finest ways to increase your cycling speed. How many revolutions per minute are made by your pedals? (rpm). Around 80 rpm is the typical cycling cadence. Increasing your cadence to 90 rpm will help you go faster on your bike.

Gears

Increasing your average cycling speed necessitates the proper selection of gears. In order to pedal more swiftly but with less effort, you need shift into a higher gear on your bike. Your speed will last longer and be more consistent with this method.

Positioning

In order to increase your overall cycling speed, proper body positioning is essential. The more aerodynamic you can make your bike, the faster you can go while using less energy. You may enhance your bike posture by following a few simple guidelines.

• Make sure you don’t lean too far forward or backward during each cycle.
• To avoid air getting trapped between your helmet and body, keep your head as erect as possible.
• Third, if you have long hair, keep it out of the way so that the wind can’t grab it.
• Keep your hands off the handlebars and other things, as this could slow you down.

Practice Different Routes

Practicing a variety of routes is one of the best ways to increase your cycling speed. When you’re familiar with the route, you’re better able to foresee potential problems and prepare accordingly. This means less wasted time and energy, and a speedier trip as a result of this.

Enhance your fitness level

In order to succeed as a cyclist, you need to be physically fit. As a result of cycling’s high energy and stamina demands, this is a common misconception. It will be difficult to keep up with other bikers if you aren’t in top physical condition. In addition, it is possible that you will feel pain and discomfort both during and following a cycling session. When it comes to riding, getting in shape before you start is essential.

Increase tire pressure

Your riding speed can be greatly enhanced by increasing the bicycle’s tyre pressure. In order to reduce tyre deformation, you can increase the air pressure in your tyres by a few pounds. As a result, you’ll be able to go faster while using less energy.
However, before making any adjustments to the pressure in your tyres, make sure to look at the recommended pressure level printed on the sidewall of your tyres.

Conclusion

Cycling is the best kind of physical and mental rehabilitation and exercise there is. Furthermore, age is but a number. It is linked to your average riding speed in an indirect way. However, as you become older, your cycling speed decreases because your power decreases. As you become older, your body’s ability to produce the same amount of power diminishes, resulting in a gradual decrease in your average speed.

However, cycling is a physically hard activity that demands a lot of practise and a well-conditioned body to succeed. In addition, you should choose a flat, safe route that you are familiar with to ride on and practise on in order to keep track of your progress. Your average riding speed will improve as a result of this. The most important thing to remember is to always wear a helmet and other safety gear when cycling. Rather be safe than sorry!