Average Miles Per Commute?
#51
I have looked at various statistics to get an idea of the median bike commuting distance in the US, and from what I can gather it's about 2.5 miles and the overall elapsed time is (very roughly) around 15 minutes. Plus or minus a bit. It's been a few years so don't ask me for sources, just what I recall.
#52
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,138
Likes: 6,360
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I have looked at various statistics to get an idea of the median bike commuting distance in the US, and from what I can gather it's about 2.5 miles and the overall elapsed time is (very roughly) around 15 minutes. Plus or minus a bit. It's been a few years so don't ask me for sources, just what I recall.
And there was a National Health Service (UK) study that found those who do short bike commutes like that and not much other physical activity end up being MUCH healthier in old age than people who don't commute by bike.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#53
I have looked at various statistics to get an idea of the median bike commuting distance in the US, and from what I can gather it's about 2.5 miles and the overall elapsed time is (very roughly) around 15 minutes. Plus or minus a bit. It's been a few years so don't ask me for sources, just what I recall.
#54
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 109
Likes: 15
From: Portland OR
Bikes: 1979 Bridgestone SkyWay, 1990 Bridgestone RB-1, 2002 Specialized Hardrock Comp, 2018 Soma Smoothie
My commute is 6.2 miles each way, and it takes 23 to 25 minutes. Seems like there's a prevailing headwind along the river on my way, and there's a fairly steep uphill on my way home. There are good bike lanes nearly the whole way. Four stoplights, and five or six stop signs.
#55
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 71
Likes: 6
From: New Zealand
Bikes: Guru Praemio, Colnago CLX, 80's Avanti Giro
32km in 36km home, so 42.5 miles total.... I cycle a round route. Try to do it a couple of times a week, and usually cycle home one day and back in the next. The ride in also involves a ferry across Auckland harbour which is a nice way to start the day, and the ride home has about 500m of elevation gain... which is not as nice as a ferry, but I do enjoy my hills.
#57
Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 4
From: Lexington, KY
Bikes: 2018 Jamis Renegade Explore, 2011 Raleigh Cadent FT0
My commute is 18.2 miles (~26km) round trip. It's roughly 1/4 busy suburban road with bike lane, 1/4 bike trail, and 2/4 city (with intermittent bike lanes). With lights it's roughly 38-40 minutes (I'm not particularly fast).
I have the option of an ~12 mile (~19km?) route that I use when it's super cold or rainy/snowy out. But the longer one is the safer/more enjoyable one.
I have the option of an ~12 mile (~19km?) route that I use when it's super cold or rainy/snowy out. But the longer one is the safer/more enjoyable one.
#61
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
#63
Senior Member



Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 6,072
From: Manhattan & Woodstock NY
Bikes: 2024 A Homer Hilsen, 1992 Paramount PDG Series, 1991 Mercian King of Mercia, 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 1969? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Pro Mk I
8.8 miles RT without side trips, from the north end of Central Park in Manhattan to midtown near the Empire State Building. Slightly different routes, 4.3 in the AM and 4.5 PM. About 20 minutes each way including lights.
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2024 A Homer Hilsen, 1992 Paramount PDG Series, 1991 Mercian King of Mercia, 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Pro Mk I, 1969? Falcon San Remo
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
2024 A Homer Hilsen, 1992 Paramount PDG Series, 1991 Mercian King of Mercia, 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Pro Mk I, 1969? Falcon San Remo
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
#66
Full Member

Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 495
Likes: 842
From: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK
Bikes: Gitane Course, Paris Sport, Peugeot AO8, Peugeot Bretagne, Peugeot Premiere 85, Peugeot Premiere 86, Peugeot ANC Halfords Team Replica, Peugeot Festina Team Replica, Motobecane Grand Sport, Motobecane Super 15, Raleigh Pro Race, Raleigh Stratos, BSA
15 miles each way. I can cut it down to 12 miles, but that involves using a roundabout on a motorway junction. - I'm much happier doing the extra miles without the traffic.
#67
Pedal Stompin'

Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 181
Likes: 15
From: Denver, CO
Bikes: 2014 Metrofiets w/EBO e-assist; 2007 Trek 7300; 1986 Peugeot road bike w/downtube shifters
My commute is 17 miles round trip when I park my vehicle and ride my bike from a park, which is what I usually do because it's easier to pick up my kid from daycare (shorter drive to daycare). It's 24 miles round trip when I ride from the house, which is glorious when I can do that.
#68
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 679
Likes: 148
From: Plano, TX
Bikes: Fahrradmanufaktur Trekking Bike, Lightning Phantom, bikeE AT, Radwagon3, HP Velotechnik Scorpion
About 16 miles round trip. Occasionally when the weather is great and I have some time I make a detour on my way home extending it it by a few few miles.
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Not driving a stick but riding one.
Not driving a stick but riding one.



