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If you\u2019re not sure how to set your cycling goals<\/a>, look to your peers. Learning the average cycling distance of those in your age group can help you better understand how long and far you can ride, especially if you\u2019re not sure where to start. Also, getting to know the average cycling distance can help you better plan your time in the saddle<\/a> and nutrition needs<\/a> for future rides.<\/p>\n To help you put things into perspective, we gathered the average cycling distance by age from Strava<\/a>, Ride with GPS, and Zwift. We also spoke with a cycling coach to explain what it takes to complete these distances so you can set realistic expectations for future rides. Related StoryThe Average Cycling Distance By Age<\/p>\n The average cycling distance traveled in the U.S. (and virtually) ranges from 10.3 miles to 21.3 miles, according to data pulled from Strava, Ride with GPS, and Zwift. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s a more detailed breakdown on the average cycling distance for users of various ages on each platform. Also, you\u2019ll find the average distance of routes created (but not necessarily completed) on Ride with GPS and goals set by Strava users. Strava<\/p>\n These are median distances completed by Strava users categorized by generation, according to the 2025 Year in Sport Trend Report<\/a>. <\/p>\n 13-26 years old (Gen Z): 10.3 miles 27-41 years old (Millennials): 11.4 miles42-57 years old (Gen X): 15 miles58-76 years old (Boomers): 18.8 miles<\/p>\n These are the median goal distances set by Strava users.<\/p>\n 13-26 years old (Gen Z): 53 miles27-41 years old (Millennials): 62 miles42-57 years old (Gen X): 62 miles58-76 years old (Boomers): 75 milesRide with GPS<\/p>\n These are the average cycling distances traveled by age.<\/p>\n The overall average distance for Ride with GPS users was 17.4 miles. <\/p>\n 20-30 years old: 11.3 miles30-40 years old: 15.2 miles40-50 years old: 15 miles50-60 years old: 15.3 miles60-70 years old: 16.6 miles70-80 years old: 19 miles80-90 years old: 21.3 miles<\/p>\n These are the average distances of routes planned by riders on the platform, but it\u2019s unclear whether or not riders actually completed them. <\/p>\n The overall average planned route distance was 44 miles.<\/p>\n 20-30 years old: 49.4 miles30-40 years old: 43.6 miles40-50 years old: 45.9 miles50-60 years old: 45.2 miles60-70 years old: 44.4 miles70-80 years old: 37.7 miles80-90 years old: 35.7 milesZwift<\/p>\n These are the average distances completed on Zwift. <\/p>\n 20-29 years old: 19.6 miles30-39 years old: 18.4 miles40-49 years old: 18.3 miles50-59 years old: 18.1 miles60-69 years old: 17.6 miles70-79 years old: 16.3 miles80 years old and older: 14.7 milesWhat the Average Cycling Distance Fails to Reveal<\/p>\n These average cycling distance statistics can help you better understand what riders in your age group are capable of, as well as the capabilities of those that are older or younger than you. <\/p>\n However, there are a few things that these stats don\u2019t take into consideration like how long it took to ride the distance or whether or not the ride was cut short due to any unexpected complications like a flat tire,<\/a> discomfort, or bonking<\/a>. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s how you can make sure you complete the distances you set out to cover. <\/p>\n Related StoryHow to Properly Prepare So You Hit Your Goal Cycling Distance<\/p>\n One of the big factors in not succeeding in covering a certain distance would be comfort, especially if the bike isn\u2019t fitted properly, says Kristen Phillips<\/a>, USA Cycling certified coach and owner of the Art of Cycling. \u201cIn the context of a human body on a bike, there\u2019s three points of contact: the hands, the sit bones, and the feet,\u201d she says. If you experience numbness<\/a> or discomfort at any of these contact points<\/a> when riding for more than 10 miles, this could be an indication your bike fit<\/a> is off, says Phillips. It could also be the reason why you cut a ride short.<\/p>\n To go the distance, Phillips suggests dialing in your bike fit, and more specifically, paying attention to the width of your handlebar<\/a>, saddle width and height, and shoe size. <\/p>\n In terms of the width of your handlebar<\/a>, it should come close to matching the width of your shoulders. <\/p>\n To find the best saddle for you, measure the width of your sit bones, which you can do at your local bike shop if they have the measuring tool to do so. Keep in mind, if your saddle is too-wide or too-narrow for your sit bones, this can lead to bike seat pain<\/a>, especially on a long ride, says Phillips. <\/p>\n To find an ideal saddle height<\/a>, sit on the seat and move one pedal to the bottom of the pedal stroke (about the 6 o\u2019clock position). Reach your heel down to the pedal\u2014it should just graze the pedal in this position.<\/p>\n Also, Phillips recommends going up a half size in cycling shoes, just as you would running shoes, to make room for feet swelling. <\/p>\n Related StoryHow to Calculate How Long a Certain Distance Will Take<\/p>\n Another key component missing from the data set is time, which tends to vary depending on your age and fitness level. According to 2023 Strava data, the average cycling speed<\/a> for leisure rides completed on pavement was 14.1 mph, and average distance for those rides was 19.2 miles. Leisure dirt rides were slower and shorter, on average: 8.6 mph and 10.6 miles. <\/p>\n A simple way to determine how long it would take you to ride a particular distance is dividing the distance by your average speed in miles per hour (mph), says Phillips.<\/p>\n Estimating how long it will take you to complete your goal distance is important because it plays into your nutrition<\/a>\u2014especially if you plan to ride for more than three hours. <\/p>\n If you\u2019re going for a short ride (one hour or less) then you don\u2019t need to worry about fueling preride because you likely have enough energy stored. But you want to make sure you\u2019re hydrated, so bring water or potentially a low-carb electrolyte drink with you. <\/p>\n For rides<\/a> lasting more than one hour, you\u2019ll need to pack a bottle of water<\/a> or an electrolyte drink and make sure you\u2019re consuming 30 to 60 grams of carbs per hour\u2014on the higher end if you\u2019re going for more than three hours.<\/p>\n Phillips recommends you always pack an extra bar, just in case, regardless of how long you think you\u2019ll ride. <\/p>\n How to Design Your Workout Plan to Increase Your Cycling Distance<\/p>\n If you aren\u2019t currently riding the average cycling distance for your age group, but want to, up your game by following a structured training plan<\/a>, like our base building<\/a> training plan, to increase your cycling distance, just as you would to improve your speed or endurance. <\/p>\n
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