How long does it take to bike 3 miles? Since the average cycling speed is between 10 and 14 mph (16 and 22.5 km/h), it will take an average cyclist between 12.85 and 18 minutes to complete three miles of biking.
You can estimate how long your three-mile bike ride will take by reading this short guide’s wealth of useful information on the typical cycling speed.
You can find out more about the speed of various bikes, the things that affect your cycling speed, and the solutions to the most frequently asked cycling speed-related questions by continuing to read.
Table of Contents
How Long Does It Take to Bike 3 Miles?
- 12 minutes on the normal terrain for a typical person. A normal person can bike a mile in 3–4 minutes at an average speed of 18 mph.
- 20 minutes on the hilly terrain for a typical rider. In comparison to flat ground, a typical person travels a mile twice as quickly uphill.
- 6 minutes on the flat surface for professional cyclists. Professionals are capable of accelerating up to 28 mph. They will therefore cover a mile in just two to three minutes.
- 10 minutes on the hilly terrain for professional cyclists. The professional cyclists climb up hills at a speed of about 25 mph, which takes them more than 3 minutes per mile.
What Factors Will Affect Your Speed?
Terrain
Flat Road
Due to the lack of significant hills, obstacles, and difficult maneuvers, the ride will be fairly smooth on the flat surface. As a result, you can ride a mile in just under three or four minutes if you maintain an average speed of about 17 to 18 mph.
Downhill
A mile in a downhill area only takes you one minute as opposed to two on a flat road. In bike riding competitions, downhill racing appears to be the fastest type for this reason. You will be surprised by the incredible speed you can reach in these conditions because gravity is rapidly pulling you downward.
Following the wind’s direction will cause you to be pushed behind, which will allow you to move at a faster speed. Speeds of up to 80–100 mph can be reached, which is mind-blowing and not recommended for those who are weak of heart. The majority of professional riders participate in downhill riding because it is regarded as an extreme sport.
Hills
You will experience a much steeper environment when cycling on hilly terrain. The time it takes a typical biker to cover a mile on flat ground must be multiplied by two to determine how long it will take them to complete the same distance on a hilly road. Given their level of endurance, skill, and fitness, professionals are still able to navigate the hills with ease.
The Physical Fitness Status of the Rider
Estimating how long it will take a biker to travel a distance depends heavily on the rider’s abilities and physical condition. In particular, those who don’t ride a bike frequently, a beginner biker will eventually find it difficult to complete 10 miles. This kind of biker frequently feels strains and fatigue, which lowers their stamina. It would also take a lot of riding before you could become accustomed to biking in order to cover more distance.
People who regularly ride bikes and work out stand a good chance of covering a mile quickly. Professional bikers, for example, can easily cover a mile in a short amount of time because their bodies are already in good shape from years of riding in various terrains. Their muscles are strong and firm, producing enough energy to pedal, and they have the endurance to hold onto that energy for a long time, allowing them to travel a distance quickly.
Bikes
As you may be aware, the kind of bike a rider has an impact on how quickly they can travel a certain distance. A bike with a carbon frame will undoubtedly be faster than cruisers with a sixthreezero frame. Additionally, you must make sure that your bicycle is perfectly built and fitted.
Road Bike
A road bike travels at an average speed of 16 mph (25.7 km/h) on a road with a flat elevation profile.
A road bike will need 11 minutes and 15 seconds to travel 3 miles at this average cycling speed.
Mountain Bike
Mountain bike riders typically travel at a speed of 12 mph (19.3 km/h) on roads with a flat elevation profile.
This indicates that a mountain biker will need 15 minutes to travel three miles at the average speed.
Started by Are Mountain Bikes Good For Commuting?
Hybrid Bike
On a flat road, hybrid bike riders travel at an average speed of 22.5 km/h (14 mph).
Accordingly, a three-mile ride on a hybrid bike will typically take 12 minutes and 51 seconds.
Read about Best Hybrid Bike For Women
E-Bike
Most US states have laws limiting the speed of e-bike assistance to 20 mph (32.1 km/h).
Accordingly, if an e-bike rider in the USA travels 3 miles at their maximum assistance speed, it will take them 9 minutes.
The legal maximum speed for e-bikes in the UK is 15.5 mph (25 km/h). Check for e-bike’s average speed.
Accordingly, if you ride an e-bike in the UK at the maximum assistance speed, it will take you 11 minutes and 36 seconds to complete a 3-mile distance.
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Touring Bikes
The touring bikes are perfect for long distances and carrying cargo because of their sturdy construction and large frame triangle.
Folding Bikes
Its name pretty much says it all. It’s easy to store this particular style of folding bicycle. To fit inside a standard box, the handlebars, wheels, and frame all hinge together. Additionally, these bikes are simple to move around on vehicles like buses and trains.
Cruisers
Old-school bicycles that are simple to use are known as cruisers. Only flat terrain is ideal for these bicycles’ wide seats and one-gear tires. The upright handlebars are advantageous for keeping your eyes on your surroundings while riding. Shopping, visiting the beach, and other activities are frequently done on cruisers.
Weather Condition
Weather conditions can have an impact on how long it takes you to bike one mile. At some point, the windy conditions may work in your favor because the tailwind will likely increase your speed. The drawback of windy conditions is that you can hardly gain momentum if you move in the opposite direction of the wind.
Since rain can make the ground slick and muddy, it can also affect how quickly you travel the three miles. You would need to slow down and pedal more slowly than usual to avoid accidents while biking, which would increase the time it takes for you to travel three miles.
Gear and Clothing
The gear equipment can significantly affect how quickly you ride. In actuality, the total number of gears on your bike may impact both its overall weight and your energy level. As a result, if you intend to cycle frequently and seriously, you must buy the necessary equipment.
Clothing can also affect how long it takes to bike a certain distance. A professional cyclist, for example, will be lighter overall than one wearing a jacket and jeans. A smoother ride may result from the helmet’s streamlined aerodynamics against the wind current.
Cyclist’s Skill
It stands to reason that a skilled cyclist would be one who has experience traversing various terrains and long distances. The experts are skilled at moving through various terrains and are adept at effectively using the equipment. They have great strength and endurance, and they can pedal with good energy management. They can then continue traveling at their top speed steadily.
On the other hand, inexperienced riders would have a lot of trouble navigating mountainous terrain. They might also discover that maintaining certain speeds on flat surfaces is difficult and difficult.
FAQs
Is Cycling 3 Miles Daily Good?
Depending on why you’re cycling, yes. Three miles is not enough exercise if you’re trying to lose weight. You must ride for 150 minutes or more every week in order to maintain a healthy level of fitness. Cycling 3 miles per day is not a bad idea, though, if you just want to relax while riding a little bit.
Is 3 Miles a Long Bike Ride?
3 miles is not really a long bike ride. Instead, it’s a long commute for those who commute by bicycle.
How Many Calories Does Cycling 3 Miles Burn?
Calculate your distance traveled and the amount of time required to complete a 3-mile bike ride in order to determine the precise number of calories you can burn. You can determine your average speed after knowing the time and distance. Then you estimate how many calories you have burned by consulting a chart of calories burned over time, such as one from NutriStrategy.com.
How Many Miles Do I Have to Bike a Day to Lose Weight?
Your weight and level of endurance will determine how many miles you must bike. For instance, if you weigh 125 pounds and want to burn 1500 calories, you might need to ride your bike at 15 miles per hour. If you can’t afford this speed, you can cycle at 12 miles per hour and burn about 1200 calories.
Does Cycling Burn Belly Fat?
Cycling can help you lose belly fat. You still burn belly fat when you ride, even though your stomach muscles won’t be working as hard as your glutes or quads are. Cycling is an aerobic activity that will help you burn fat throughout your entire body.
Can Cycle Slim Your Legs?
Cycling does help you tone and slim down your legs. However, burning your body’s total fat is more crucial because you cannot target-burn fat in your legs. Additionally, you ought to combine with a healthy diet. Your legs will then become slimmer and have more defined muscles.
How Can I Be Faster When Riding My Bike?
You must practice something consistently and correctly if you want to be good at it. It implies that you should put in a lot of practice and learn how to use the gears effectively. Additionally, you can switch to riding a bike instead of driving or taking public transportation to work. As a result, you can save money while also enhancing your level of fitness.
Conclusion
Therefore, the time it takes to bike three miles depends on a number of variables. Your best bet for cycling a 3 mile distance is an average cycle time of between 12 and 20 minutes. This review’s goal was to help you use these professional insights to your advantage more effectively.
Choose the appropriate bike and necessary gear to suit your needs and your biking activities. Enjoy a leisurely 3-mile bike ride without becoming overly exhausted.
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