Quick Answer: A typical average cycling speed is 16–22 km/h (10–14 mph) for beginners and commuters, 25–30 km/h (15–19 mph) for regular road cyclists riding solo on flat roads, and around 40 km/h (25 mph) for the Tour de France peloton over a whole race. Hills, wind, traffic lights and the bike itself change the number a lot.
Average Cycling Speed by Rider and Bike
| Rider / bike | Typical average | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City commuter (stop-start) | 12–18 km/h · 7–11 mph | Traffic lights cut the average |
| Beginner road cyclist | 16–22 km/h · 10–14 mph | Flat to rolling roads |
| Regular road cyclist, solo | 25–30 km/h · 15–19 mph | Flat roads, little wind |
| Club group ride | 28–35 km/h · 17–22 mph | Drafting saves energy |
| Mountain bike on trails | 10–20 km/h · 6–12 mph | Terrain matters more than fitness |
| E-bike, EU pedelec | 20–25 km/h · 12–16 mph | Assistance stops at 25 km/h |
| E-bike, US Class 3 | Up to about 45 km/h · 28 mph | Assistance stops at 28 mph |
| Tour de France peloton | About 40–42 km/h · 25–26 mph | Whole-race average, including mountains |
Measure your own speed with the bike speedometer — a phone on the handlebars replaces a bike computer, with no wheel-size setup.
What Affects Your Cycling Speed
- Wind and air resistance: above about 20 km/h, most of your effort goes into pushing air. A headwind can cut speed by a third.
- Hills: climbing slows everyone; descents don’t fully make it back.
- Bike and tires: a road bike with narrow, high-pressure tires is faster than a hybrid or MTB on tarmac.
- Riding position: getting lower on the bike reduces drag noticeably.
- Stops: moving average (only while rolling) is always higher than overall average.
How to Ride Faster
- Ride consistently — 3 rides a week builds speed faster than one long ride.
- Add one interval session a week (for example 5 × 3 minutes hard).
- Check tire pressure before every ride.
- Ride with a slightly faster group to learn pacing and drafting.
Riding electric? See e-bike and e-scooter speed by voltage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good average speed on a bike?
For a recreational rider, 20–25 km/h (12–16 mph) on flat roads is a solid average. Above 30 km/h solo is fast.
How fast do beginner cyclists ride?
Usually 16–22 km/h (10–14 mph), depending on the bike and terrain.
How fast is cycling compared to walking?
Walking is about 5 km/h; casual cycling is 3–4 times faster at 15–20 km/h for similar effort.
How can I measure my cycling speed for free?
Mount your phone on the handlebars and open the bike speedometer. It shows live, maximum and average speed and distance.