Speed Of Your Commute?
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 50
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From: Seattle
Bikes: Cannondale Bad Boy Hybrid, Novara Ponderosa 29er
12-14 mph on a 10 mile jaunt one way - good weather - no or light rain
10-12 mph on windy and rainy days in Seattle
On my urban Cannondale Bad Boy with full fenders, rear rack, Topeak MTX trunkbag with panniers and a good 15 lbs of gear
But I do practice 100 yard to quarter mile sprints when the bike trail is open
10-12 mph on windy and rainy days in Seattle
On my urban Cannondale Bad Boy with full fenders, rear rack, Topeak MTX trunkbag with panniers and a good 15 lbs of gear
But I do practice 100 yard to quarter mile sprints when the bike trail is open
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 59
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From: Netherlands
Bikes: Metabikes Metaphrastic Rival
I am curious. How fast do you get along, on your commute?
- What is your cruising speed, I mean when you are up to speed and tootling along? 10 mph? 15 mph? 20 mph?
- What is your average speed including stops, lights, speeding up, slowing down? As in distance divided by time?
Even when I work hard to spend as much time above 20 mph as possible, my average speed for the journey is low, about 15 mph. I have a pretty short commute, but it is all urban riding.
You guys with longer or less urban commutes, do you ride faster or manage higher average speeds?
- What is your cruising speed, I mean when you are up to speed and tootling along? 10 mph? 15 mph? 20 mph?
- What is your average speed including stops, lights, speeding up, slowing down? As in distance divided by time?
Even when I work hard to spend as much time above 20 mph as possible, my average speed for the journey is low, about 15 mph. I have a pretty short commute, but it is all urban riding.
You guys with longer or less urban commutes, do you ride faster or manage higher average speeds?
My cruising speeds are between 30 and 35 kph. (between 18 and 22 mph)
Avg. speeds about 28 kph. or 17 mph. My commuting route is 28 km. (17 miles) one way and it mostly takes about an hour or so to reach my destination.
#28
Plays in traffic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,971
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From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
#29
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
Yeah. There's been a call to reduced the amount of art in the middle because some of the high-quality stuff is distracting and increased the number of accidents.
There was a somewhat recent NYT piece on it:
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/wo...taly.html?_r=0
There was a somewhat recent NYT piece on it:
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/wo...taly.html?_r=0
#31
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,162
Likes: 647
From: Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Kuota Kredo/Chorus, Trek 7000 commuter, Trek 8000 MTB and a few others
My commute is 10 miles exactly, door to door, and it takes an hour. That's only 10mph obviously. But that really isn't about speed, but about traffic conditions in NYC.
I've used my carbon road bike to do the commute, and it took an hour. I've used my MTB with slicks to do my commute, and it took an hour. I can crank it up on the clear sections, and it takes an hour. I can take it easy, and it still takes an hour. If I go all-out on the uphill of the Manhattan Bridge, it takes an hour... It really doesn't matter how fast I ride, as long as I'm not just poking along.
I've done the "commuter race" thing and what it always comes down to is whether you run the lights or not. And even then, we all get stuck at the same intersections where you can't just blow through.
But to answer the question the way most did: I ride at about 18mph on my road bike, 23 on a few clear sections, and maybe 15-16 on my mtb, and maybe hit 20 on those same clear sections on a good day with a tailwind. In Manhattan it is difficult to go very fast and still feel relatively safe. I see the crazies, but I'm not one of them. In fact, I've let the crazies blow past me, and then I'll blow past them on the bridge on the bike lane just to prove it doesn't really matter how fast you go in the streets.
All comments above are for my commute TO work when I'm not looking to get sweaty. Coming home is always a mix of enjoying the leisurely ride and cranking it up.
As for counting stop lights, I'm on 42nd St in midtown. That's 42 traffic lights right there. I can't even count the number I hit before I get to the numbered streets, but it's at least as many.
I've used my carbon road bike to do the commute, and it took an hour. I've used my MTB with slicks to do my commute, and it took an hour. I can crank it up on the clear sections, and it takes an hour. I can take it easy, and it still takes an hour. If I go all-out on the uphill of the Manhattan Bridge, it takes an hour... It really doesn't matter how fast I ride, as long as I'm not just poking along.
I've done the "commuter race" thing and what it always comes down to is whether you run the lights or not. And even then, we all get stuck at the same intersections where you can't just blow through.
But to answer the question the way most did: I ride at about 18mph on my road bike, 23 on a few clear sections, and maybe 15-16 on my mtb, and maybe hit 20 on those same clear sections on a good day with a tailwind. In Manhattan it is difficult to go very fast and still feel relatively safe. I see the crazies, but I'm not one of them. In fact, I've let the crazies blow past me, and then I'll blow past them on the bridge on the bike lane just to prove it doesn't really matter how fast you go in the streets.
All comments above are for my commute TO work when I'm not looking to get sweaty. Coming home is always a mix of enjoying the leisurely ride and cranking it up.
As for counting stop lights, I'm on 42nd St in midtown. That's 42 traffic lights right there. I can't even count the number I hit before I get to the numbered streets, but it's at least as many.
#32
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
Usually my road speed is around 15mph but the average on the computer is 12 because of stops, slowdowns, etc
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#33
I roll faster on the cooler weather commutes most of the time since I mount up the less trail spec tires in the off season. Cold temps usually drive me to stay warmer too.
On the aero equipped mtb I do about 16-18 on the flats/backroads and 27 in the city. Trail version about 14-17 flats/backroads and 25-27 city. In the city the limitation usually falls on the aero one due to the bar-end shifters and less powerful mechanical brakes. The trail mtb supports more aggressive city play at the expense of a little top end gearing, though in the winter I find it a little more comfortable in gloves.
On the aero equipped mtb I do about 16-18 on the flats/backroads and 27 in the city. Trail version about 14-17 flats/backroads and 25-27 city. In the city the limitation usually falls on the aero one due to the bar-end shifters and less powerful mechanical brakes. The trail mtb supports more aggressive city play at the expense of a little top end gearing, though in the winter I find it a little more comfortable in gloves.
#34
My commute is 22 miles each way, 80 percent of it is on a MUP. There are approx a dozen signals/stop signs along the way.
In the Summer on my road bike I'm averaging between 17 and 19 mph. I use a cross bike in the winter and speed slows down to around 15 mph.
In the Summer on my road bike I'm averaging between 17 and 19 mph. I use a cross bike in the winter and speed slows down to around 15 mph.
#35
My total round trip distance is 18 miles. I can get to work in about 20 min. if I'm really moving and have no headwind. It takes me twice as long to get home under the best circumstances. The reason for the difference?
About a 800 vertical feet over the nine miles, most of it in one single mile long hill. No stop signs and no traffic lights. It's almost all rural state highway with a "bike lane" shoulder. So 18 mph., averaged over the entire commute, would be my approximate fastest commute time but the morning half is at an average of 26 mph and the return trip at an average of 12 mph. But at the fastest point of the morning commute I'm going about 40 mph and for the same distance on the homeward leg it's more like 6 mph.
The ride? a Bridgestone MB-1, rear rack and panniers, flat bars with Scott aero bars, Schwalbe Marathon tires during non-winter and Schwalbe M Winters during the cold months (probably 6-10% slower at those times).
About a 800 vertical feet over the nine miles, most of it in one single mile long hill. No stop signs and no traffic lights. It's almost all rural state highway with a "bike lane" shoulder. So 18 mph., averaged over the entire commute, would be my approximate fastest commute time but the morning half is at an average of 26 mph and the return trip at an average of 12 mph. But at the fastest point of the morning commute I'm going about 40 mph and for the same distance on the homeward leg it's more like 6 mph.
The ride? a Bridgestone MB-1, rear rack and panniers, flat bars with Scott aero bars, Schwalbe Marathon tires during non-winter and Schwalbe M Winters during the cold months (probably 6-10% slower at those times).
#36
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
Zacster nailed it for me too - 11 miles each way, and it always takes 55 minutes no matter if I'm riding 12 or 17mph. I ride an older road bike with panniers full of work clothes on an urban MUP and at some places I'm crossing streets every 3 or 4 blocks. When I ride streets there are less stops and I can ride faster... and it takes 55 minutes. Sometimes I feel tired and it seems I'm really slow... and it takes 55 minutes.
#37
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
15 mph is a good average speed for commuting because you have to stop so much for traffic lights and are riding alone and carrying more gear than a typical recreational rider. I say that because my average commuting speed is about 15 mph, which is about 2-3 mph slower than typical recreational group rides. My average speed is summer is usually about 1 mph faster than winter.
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
30 mile roundtrip commute for me. Moderately hilly, usually one pannier, predominantly urban riding especially in downtown area. Ride a Surly LHT with front and rear racks. Average 13 mph, with lots of starting and stopping. Winter, the average goes up a bit. Summer, average goes down due to (sometimes) extreme heat and humidity.
I absolutely LOVE commuting, though.
I absolutely LOVE commuting, though.
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 771
Likes: 2
I can only say what av speed I go based on what the cyclometer says.
I do anywhere between 14-18.something mph on the way to work.
Cruising speed, I couldn't say because there aren't many real flat areas on my commute. A lotta up n down.
Even some areas that look like "flats" are pitched pretty well.
I do anywhere between 14-18.something mph on the way to work.
Cruising speed, I couldn't say because there aren't many real flat areas on my commute. A lotta up n down.
Even some areas that look like "flats" are pitched pretty well.
#40
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
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From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
#41
The space coyote lied.



Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,698
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From: dusk 'til dawn.
Bikes: everywhere
I left my AVG go for over a year once and it was 12.5.
Looking at some flat sections in Strava, cruising speed is usually 18-20.
Looking at some flat sections in Strava, cruising speed is usually 18-20.
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 01-07-13 at 12:39 AM.
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
They're building more roundabouts (I prefer to call them "roundabounds") in the US midwest, and the designers here are getting it wrong, too -- ideally you'd be able to sight across them so you can time your entrances and exits around other vehicles, but they plop all sorts of tall obstructive "art" in the middle. 

#44
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 6
From: Sudbury, ON, CA
Bikes: 2012 Kona Sutra, 2002 Look AL 384, 2018 Moose Fat bike
My regular commute is 16km. I generally travel at about 23-24km/h but I have a record of 26.5km/h. I chose the route because it has more hills, therefore greater fitness effort so I won't compete with others in this forum. However, one morning, when I had a very strong tailwind (40km/h or so), I chased a car down a hill and reached nearly 55km/h - it was fun.
My route had 4 traffic lights but 2 more have been added. It also had 13 stop signs but now 1 has been replaced with a stop light. I my morning ride starts at about 6:00-6:10 and is done before 7 so there is very little traffic: most stop signs are just decoration and red lights only suggest slowing down.
My route had 4 traffic lights but 2 more have been added. It also had 13 stop signs but now 1 has been replaced with a stop light. I my morning ride starts at about 6:00-6:10 and is done before 7 so there is very little traffic: most stop signs are just decoration and red lights only suggest slowing down.
#46
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
My direct commute takes about 20 minutes (4mi/.33hr = 12 mph) whether I ride the race bike or the utility bike. I count 24 stop signs or lights between my house and office.
#49
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
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From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Overall average is 15mph for a 15 mile commute with 1000' of climbing.
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#50
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,141
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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
Age: 52
Average speed: 13
Commute distance: 13 miles
Commute time: 1 hour (duh)
Weight: 178 lbs
Very few stops on my commute, for which I'm extremely lucky and grateful. It's pretty hilly, though, and there are sections where traffic isn't so pleasant and sections where it's hard to see at night.
Average speed: 13
Commute distance: 13 miles
Commute time: 1 hour (duh)
Weight: 178 lbs
Very few stops on my commute, for which I'm extremely lucky and grateful. It's pretty hilly, though, and there are sections where traffic isn't so pleasant and sections where it's hard to see at night.
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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
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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.





