Average Miles Per Commute?
#2
#5
But it might be interesting to see to what extent "road cyclists" - at least forum members here - commute.
The cycling portion of my commute is a mile each way - a little more, or a little less, depending on where I manage to pick up a Citibike, and how round-about a route I want to take (usually not very). The bus portion is about 17 miles, and depending on traffic, that usually takes about an hour in the evenings, an hour 20 in the mornings. Funny thing: I can take a more direct route by bicycle and make it to the office in about an hour if I push it, about an hour 20 if I don't want to be all sweaty when I arrive.
I've only done that twice. Main reason I don't do it more often is that I don't like to ride in the dark, and the only time that wouldn't be an issue is in mid-summer, when arriving at the office all sweaty would be the issue.
I've had occasion to drive a couple of times, and it takes about the same amount of time in traffic, but parking is a killer (about $40 for the day).
An acquaintance of mine - official for park races, actually - commutes year-round from a town a couple miles north of me.
The cycling portion of my commute is a mile each way - a little more, or a little less, depending on where I manage to pick up a Citibike, and how round-about a route I want to take (usually not very). The bus portion is about 17 miles, and depending on traffic, that usually takes about an hour in the evenings, an hour 20 in the mornings. Funny thing: I can take a more direct route by bicycle and make it to the office in about an hour if I push it, about an hour 20 if I don't want to be all sweaty when I arrive.
I've only done that twice. Main reason I don't do it more often is that I don't like to ride in the dark, and the only time that wouldn't be an issue is in mid-summer, when arriving at the office all sweaty would be the issue.
I've had occasion to drive a couple of times, and it takes about the same amount of time in traffic, but parking is a killer (about $40 for the day).An acquaintance of mine - official for park races, actually - commutes year-round from a town a couple miles north of me.
#6
Senior Member




Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 0
From: Spokane/Tri-Cities WA
Bikes: mountain bike, road bike
Previously, it was 30 miles round trip. I did it during fair weather and only a few times a week. Now, 6 miles round trip, if I don't add distance, and I do it every work day year round with some exceptions for weather.
I enjoy the shorter commute as it gives me more options in what I wear and ride. Being able to do it year round it nice too.
I enjoy the shorter commute as it gives me more options in what I wear and ride. Being able to do it year round it nice too.
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"I've been dropped a lot of times, but it's never been because of my bike." DXchulo
"I've been dropped a lot of times, but it's never been because of my bike." DXchulo
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 558
Likes: 14
From: Ontario
Bikes: HP Velotechnik Streetmachine GTE, 2015 Devinci Silverstone SL4, 2012 Cannondale Road Tandem 2, Circe Morpheus, 2021 Rose Backroad, 2017 Devinci Hatchet
2x2.5km. I envy those with 2x10km in a way
I compensate with rides to recreational places during the week.
I compensate with rides to recreational places during the week.
#12
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,138
Likes: 6,363
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 just started a new job, and it's about seven miles each way. I'm grateful for that. My previous commute was 13.5 miles each way, and it was too long. I could only do it two or three days a week. This will be easier to do more days, and as a result, I might even get more miles in this year. I'm also grateful it's not shorter. If it were under three miles, I wouldn't be as happy.
I suspect that the average distance between home and work for all bike commuters in the US and Canada is under five miles.
I suspect that the average distance between home and work for all bike commuters in the US and Canada is under five miles.
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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.
#13
#14
You say that but the distance gets old in a hurry. I used to add on extra miles when I started. I'd do up to 20 km extra on the way to work some days. Now it's like get me there in the shortest possible time/distance, and safe.
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 558
Likes: 14
From: Ontario
Bikes: HP Velotechnik Streetmachine GTE, 2015 Devinci Silverstone SL4, 2012 Cannondale Road Tandem 2, Circe Morpheus, 2021 Rose Backroad, 2017 Devinci Hatchet
I'd also suspect that a GTA commute is probably stronger on the 'get me through this'-impression than many other (less paved/concrete covered, smaller traffic systems) places (e.g. with plenty of forests, trails, etc.)
Do you have a routine for your commute? I have a list of about 2-3 podcasts that I subscribe to - which become my commute podcasts, when I actually need to commute long enough.
#16
I didn't think I would commute much when I took my current job. But over six months, I increased my average miles per week to over 100 and was able to add more commute days. 22 miles in the morning, 6 in the evening (work provides a Caltrain Go Pass!). Fortunately, relatively flat and good bike lanes for a rather safe ride.
My previous job was 16 miles and I biked both directions.
Commuting was the majority of the 6k biking miles in the last 12 months.
My previous job was 16 miles and I biked both directions.
Commuting was the majority of the 6k biking miles in the last 12 months.
#17
Full Member

Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 205
Likes: 2
Bikes: Stromer ST-1; Gary Fisher SAAB edition; Dahon Speed D7; Motobecane Grand Touring 1972
Typical day 26miles (M-TH). There's a shorter route that would reduce that to closer to 21; but it's got an annoying number of stop signs, and a sharp bit that's murder in ice or snow.
#18
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
5km round trip. That was by design and I want to live within walking distance of the seaside and of my primary place of work.
I just jog/run on the beach to compensate for the shorter ride.
Quality of life is optimised.
I just jog/run on the beach to compensate for the shorter ride.
Quality of life is optimised.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR
26-28 miles round trip for the last 4 years. We are a one car family so I bike most days. My wife can rescue me if there is weather trouble. Occasionally if she's in the area or something the commute can be shortened or she can pick me up from work.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 239
From: Mid Atlantic / USA
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Crosstrail / 2013 Trek Crossrip Elite
Depends on the weather.
Cold and/or rainy? I can do a round trip in 5 miles.
Gorgeous summer morning/evening? Could be 25 miles.
Cold and/or rainy? I can do a round trip in 5 miles.
Gorgeous summer morning/evening? Could be 25 miles.
#23
I only have a bit over 6 miles round trip, including the time to park and walk to the building the bike is faster than a car. I have a 14 mile route on the way in I take a couple times a week in good weather with the road bike, so those days are 17 miles.
#24
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 701
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2017 Co-op ADV 1.1; ~1991 Novara Arriba; 1990 Fuji Palisade; mid-90's Moots Tandem; 1985 Performance Superbe
8 miles each way. Bike is default for 5 day work week commute. Add-ons of 4-10 miles for bank, post office and groceries.
#25
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,447
Likes: 4,541
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0








