True average speed as recorded by a bike computer has at least one useful feature. How long is it going to take you to get somewhere.

One of my friends wanted to get an electric bike and make the ferry in a certain amount of time. He thought that a ten mle ride would be done in half an hour if he rides that bike at 20 mph. He had to leave at a specific time no matter what. He was ready to go and buy the bike, but I explained to him that (I ride this route all the time and know about all the intersections and slow areas, I measured this at least a thousand times over 18 years) That he would have to travel well over 25 to get an average of 20. Probably more like 27-28. There are two traffic light controlled intersections that he must stop at etc.
At least I saved him from buying an electric bike.


Unfortunatly he still uses the car.

Average speed lets me meet people in various places and distances at the right time on my bike. If I am late I can put the bike computer on average speed display, and see how much I need to work to get there on time.