The Beat on Bikes: Global Cycling Trends You Need to Know
Cycling isn’t just a hobby; for many, it’s a lifestyle. Garmin recently analyzed data from cyclists around the globe who use their Edge bike computers, and the insights are fascinating. Whether you’re chasing high speeds or tackling steep climbs, here is a look at how riders worldwide are performing.
Distance and Duration

• The global average for a bike ride sits at 28.59 miles, with cyclists spending an average of 115 minutes in the saddle per ride.
• Age plays an interesting role in distance: riders aged 20–29 and 60–69 both averaged just over 30 miles per ride, while those aged 30–39 and 40–49 rode just over 27 miles.
• Older cyclists tend to spend more time on their bikes, with riders over 70 riding for an average of 134.2 minutes, compared to 111.6 minutes for the 20–29 demographic.
• Italy leads the pack for both distance and time, boasting 34.73 miles and 142.7 minutes per ride!
  Speed and Elevation
• Globally, the average cycling speed is 14.89 mph, with younger cyclists typically riding at a faster pace.
• The United Arab Emirates claimed the top spot globally for speed at 17.75 mph.
• When it comes to climbing, the average elevation gain is 1,158 feet per ride.
• Surprisingly, riders aged 60–69 conquered the most elevation, averaging 1,201 feet per ride—nearly the equivalent height of the Empire State Building.
• Spain recorded the highest average elevation gain by locale at 1,704 feet.
  Fitness Metrics (FTP and VO2 Max)
• Functional Threshold Power (FTP) measures the sustained power a cyclist can output without fatiguing. The average max FTP was 224 for men and 188 for women.
• Elite cyclists (defined as those riding 140 miles or more a week) boasted an average max FTP of 243, compared to 220 for all other users.
• The average VO2 max across all Garmin cyclists was 51. However, the top elite cyclists who recorded 160 miles or more per week averaged a VO2 max of 62!
• Both average VO2 max and FTP were highest among younger cyclists and steadily decreased with age, though both metrics increased the more miles users rode.
  When Are People Riding?
• Most riders prefer kicking off their sessions in the early to mid-morning or late afternoon.
• Sunday is the most popular day of the week to record rides, and August is the most popular month globally.
• Cycling is also continuing to grow in popularity in certain regions; for instance, Belgium saw a 3.5% increase in cycling activities in 2025 compared to 2024.
  Whether you are matching the speed of riders in the UAE or climbing like those in Spain, the data proves there is a thriving, global community pushing the limits every single day. Get out there and beat yesterday!
• https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/fitness/the-beat-on-bikes-the-latest-global-trends-from-garmin-cyclists/?utm_source=garminMarketing&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_campaign=AMER-FIT-MOMT-MCJT83903-CyclingDataReport_resend_default