Distance and Time: How Long Does It Take To Bike 3 Miles?

Bicycles are good transportation when it is both the most convenient and a good exercise for your lungs and heart. Many health experts advise cycling 30 minutes per day, which improves your health and stimulates weight loss. However, each person has a different speed and a different amount of time to finish their cycling exercise. 

This blog post will give you a basic idea of how long it takes to bike a mile. We’re going to look at three different types of bikes and the approximate time it would take to travel 1 mile on them.

-Bicycle: 14 minutes
-Motorcycle: 7 seconds
-Car: 12 seconds

Here is the quick list of how long does it take to bike with speed 18 mph:

How Long Does It Take to Bike 3 Miles? 

1. 12 minutes on the normal terrain for a typical person. A normal person with an average speed of 18 mph will bike a mile in 3-4 minutes. 

2. 20 minutes on the hilly terrain for a typical rider. When going up the hill, a typical person covers a mile with double-time compared to flat terrain. 

3. 6 minutes on the flat surface for professional cyclists. Professionals can accelerate their speed up to 28 mph. That is why they will reach a mile in 2-3 minutes.

4. 10 minutes on the hilly terrain for professional cyclists. On hilly terrain, the professional riders climb at approximately 25 mph, which costs them over 3 minutes for a mile. 

So, How long to bike a mile?

Riding a bike at 13–15 mph (21–24 km/h) on level ground would take 14 minutes to cover 1 mile. Because it would take 3 minutes to go 33.33 meters during that time, you would need to travel at about 14 miles per hour.

How long to bike 2 miles?

At 15 miles per hour, I would travel 1 mile in 8 minutes.
So to bike two miles, it would take me 16 minutes.
Just to cover 2 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 17 mph.
You can change the numbers around and do it for how long to bike half a mile if you want

Riding your bike daily can be great exercise depending on how many miles you ride. As a beginner, aim for shorter rides, around 5-10 miles per day and build your way up from there. Check out this article on how to convert exercise bike miles to steps for tips on tracking your progress.

How long to bike 3 miles?

To cover 3 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 18 mph. You would make it in less than half an hour. If you want to know how long to bike a mile and a half, then just add 12 minutes to the time for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).

How long to bike 4 miles?

To cover 4 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 20 mph. You would make it in less than four and a half hours. If you want to know how long to bike 5 miles, then just add another 12 minutes (34 minutes) on top of the time that you need for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).

To calculate how much time it will take to bike 4 miles, it’s important to consider factors like terrain, wind, and your fitness level. You can use an online road bike size chart to ensure that you have the right bike for your body type, which can help improve your efficiency and speed. Additionally, you can use a steps to miles calculator (link to Steps to Miles Calculator: Keep Track of Your Steps) to track your progress and set goals for yourself.

How long to bike 5 miles?

To cover 5 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 22 mph. If you want to know how long to bike 6 miles, then just add another 12 minutes (36 minutes) on top of the time that you need for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).

How long to bike 6 miles?

To cover 6 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 24 mph.
If you want to know how long to bike 7 miles, then just add another 12 minutes (38 minutes) on top of the time that you need for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).

If you are wondering about biking 6 miles, how many miles should you bike a day is a common question. It depends on your fitness level, goals and time. Beginners may start with shorter distances and gradually increase, while experienced bikers may aim for longer distances.

How long to bike 7 miles?

To cover 7 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 26 mph. If you want to know how long to bike 8 miles, then just add another 12 minutes (40 minutes) on top of the time that you need for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).

How long to bike 8 miles?

To cover 8 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 28 mph. If you want to know how long to bike 9 miles, then just add another 12 minutes (42 minutes) on top of the time that you need for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).

If you want to start cycling seriously, you may be wondering, “how many miles should I bike a day?” The answer varies depending on your fitness level and goals. However, experts suggest gradually increasing your mileage to ten percent each week. Cycling is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that can burn calories and improve your overall health.

How long to bike 9 miles?

To cover 9 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 30 mph. If you want to know how long to bike 10 miles, then just add another 12 minutes (44 minutes) on top of the time that you need for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).

How long to bike 10 miles?

To cover 10 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 32 mph. If you want to know how long to bike 11 miles, then just add another 12 minutes (46 minutes) on top of the time that you need for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).
To reach 11 miles, your cycling speed has to be approximately 34 mph.

How long to bike 20 miles?

To cover 20 miles you’d need to go at a speed of about 36 mph. If you want to know how long to bike 30 miles, then just add another 12 minutes (48 minutes) on top of the time that you need for biking 2 miles (24 minutes).
To reach 30 miles, your cycling speed has to be approximately 40 mph.

What Factors Will Affect Your Speed?

Terrain 

When biking on rocky or mountainous terrain, it’s important to have the right type of bike. Consider investing in a mountain bike for optimal performance. The Trek vs Specialized Mountain Bikes: Which is Better? article (https://www.hoodmwr.com/trek-vs-specialized-mountain-bikes/) may also be helpful if you are considering purchasing a new bike.

Flat Road

On the flat surface, the ride will be relatively smooth as there are no considerable hills, hurdles, and challenging manoeuvers. So, you can manage the average speed of about 17-18 mph and ride a mile in nearly 3 or 4 minutes. 

Downhill

In comparison with the flat road, a mile in downhill terrain takes you only 1 minute. That is why downhill racing seems to be the fastest type in bike riding competitions. There is a gravity propelling you down fast so that you will be surprised with the staggering speed you can reach in these circumstances. 

You can even reach faster speed if you follow the wind’s direction as you will be pushed behind. Speed can be up to 80-100 mph, which can blow your mind and not be suitable for the faint-hearted. Therefore, downhill riding is considered an extreme sport, and most professional riders perform it. 

If you’re looking for the perfect mountain bike to tackle a downhill trail, check out our brand overview of Commencal Bikes . With their focus on downhill riding, their bikes are durable and able to handle tough terrain. You’ll be able to find the perfect bike to suit your needs.

Hills

When cycling on hilly terrain, you will experience a much steeper environment. That is why an ordinary biker needs to double the time they ride on flat roads to find out the time covering a similar mile on hills. However, professionals still manage the hills well, given their fitness, endurance levels, and skill. 

The Fitness Status of Cyclists

The physical fitness and skills of the cyclists play an integral part in estimating the time they cover a distance. A beginner biker who does not often ride a bike might cope with covering 10 miles. During the ride, he or she will feel fatigued and strains that affect their stamina. Therefore, to ride more ground, a beginner rider should take more time to practice riding before you can get accustomed to biking. 

By contrast, those who exercise and ride their bicycles regularly are highly likely to cover miles in a short time. For example, a professional biker can cover a mile easily given that his or her body is conditioned after years of cycling in different terrains. He/ she has already had firm and strong muscles producing enough energy to endurance and pedal. 

Bikes

As you may know, the type of bike also affects the speed at which a biker can cover a specific distance. A carbon frame bike will be definitely quicker than the sixthreezero cruisers. Plus, you have to ensure that your bicycle is constructed perfectly and well-fitted. 

If you’re looking for a comprehensive brand overview, check out our article on Merida Bikes Full Brand Overview . It can come in handy when you are looking for a trustworthy bike brand to invest in. Don’t just settle for any bike off the rack, know the brand and its quality for a long-lasting investment.

Five Different Types of Bikes to Contemplate

Before coming to the details of each types of bicycles, you should have a quick look at the comparison table below to know the estimated average miles and speed to travel. 

Types of bicycles	Average Speed	Average miles it can travel
Road bikes	17-18 mph	40-60 miles
Mountain bikes/ BMX bikes	10 mph	15-20 miles
Touring bikes	13-14 mph	30-60 miles
Folding bikes	15-19 mph	10-25 miles
Cruisers	12-15 mph	15 miles

Road Bikes

Road bikes have elegant frames, thin tires, drop or flat handlebars with a short wheelbase. Additionally, they are lightweight and designed for speed. However, they are not as strong as mountain bikes. There are different sizes for you to choose from as well. Generally, road bikes have the top speed that is in direct connection with the cyclist’s comfort. 

For example, a heavy biker can outpace the light one on slight and straight downhill grades. However, on steep descents with sharp corners, it depends on the cyclist’s comfort and handling skills. 

Mountain Bikes/ BMX Bikes

Apparently, the budget mountain bikes are greater options to sit on for plenty of cyclists. Besides, they are much cheaper and provide a more extensive range of gears in comparison with the road bikes, which seem to be ideal for climbing. These types are appropriate for dirt racing, ramps, and street riding. 

On the other hand, mountain bikes also have some drawbacks. Firstly, they are not as quick as road bikes. Second, their seat position is slightly low, making it a little bit uncomfortable if you use them for long distances. 

Touring Bikes

Coming with a strong structure and big frame triangle, the touring bikes are excellent for carrying cargo and long distances. 

Folding Bikes

As its name can say it all. This kind of folding bike is good for storing. The wheels, frame, and handlebars hinge together so that they can be put in a regular box. Moreover, you can maneuver these bikes easily onto cars, buses, and trains.

If you are looking for a bike that is easy to store and transport, a folding bike may be the perfect option for you. These bikes can be folded up and stored in a small space, making them ideal for commuters, travelers, or those with limited storage space. Plus, with advancements in technology, folding bikes are now just as durable and high-performing as traditional bikes.

Cruisers

Cruisers are known as old-style bicycles that are easy to use. These bicycles have tires with one gear and wide seats, which are only great for the flat terrain. At the same time, the upright handlebars are good for looking at your surroundings. People often use cruisers to go shopping, go to the beach, and more. 

Weather Condition

The wind flow and weather conditions are other factors to impact your speed. Rain causes the road slippery, muddy, and slick, making your riding experience more difficult and unsafe. To avoid unwanted accidents, you need to pedal moderately and slow down. It means that you have to spend more time finishing your 3-mile journey. More than that, rain coming along with smog can reduce your visibility. 

Likewise, the windy condition will be favorable to a certain extent. Specifically, if you ride with the tailwind, your speed can be boosted as the wind propels you. In contrast, if you battle with headwinds, you hardly gain momentum since you are going against the wind’s direction. 

Gear and Clothing

The gear equipment can have a considerable impact on how fast you will ride. As a matter of fact, the total gear amount on your bike might affect the overall weight of your bike and your energy. Thus, it is necessary to purchase an appropriate kit when you plan to do cycling a lot and seriously. 

The time to bike over a certain distance also depends on your clothes. For instance, a professional cyclist wearing spandex will have a lighter overall weight than those in a jacket and jeans. The helmet he or she wears also might impact the aerodynamics and be streamlined against the wind current for a smoother ride.  

When biking 3 miles, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. Try some of these outfit ideas to wear over a dress, or consider some outfit ideas with white shoes for 2023. Don’t forget to bring along any necessary gear, such as a helmet or bike lock.

Cyclist’s Skill

It is apparent that an experienced cyclist would be more skillful than a novice one as they might cover several terrains and long distances. The professionals are able to navigate different terrains, and they know how to make use of the gears efficiently. With excellent endurance and strength, they can manage their energy well while pedaling. From that point, they can maintain a steady top speed. 

Conversely, novice bikers would encounter lots of difficulties handling mountain bike terrain. They may also find it tricky and challenging to sustain some levels of speed on flat surfaces. 

Tips to Stay Safe When Biking 

1. Wear a helmet

The commuter bike helmets can guarantee your life up to 100%, and they will give you better protection than going with your bare head. Besides, it would be better if you look into some airbags for your riding. 

It is always important to wear a helmet while biking for safety. If you’re unsure about how bike helmets are made, check out our article on bicycle helmet materials to understand what goes into making a high quality helmet. Your safety is worth the investment!

2. Get rid of the sun

You might want to protect yourself from the sunlight by wearing sunglasses or sunscreen on your neck’s back. Plus, you should wear long sleeves to cover your arms, and the clothes should be made of breathable fabric. 

3. Add rearview mirrors

It would be a great idea when you install a rearview mirror on your helmet or handlebars. Mirrors help to see what is behind you on every road. However, you still need to learn and practice looking over your shoulders sometimes. 

4. Cycling with your friends

There is no reason why two cyclists are advisable than one as two are more visible. Additionally, if something bad happens, one of the two can facilitate and support each other such as the emergency response process. 

When cycling with friends, it’s important to consider everyone’s comfort level. If any of your friends are seniors or have limited mobility, adult tricycles can be a great option. They provide extra stability and support, making it easier for riders to enjoy the ride. It’s a win-win situation as everyone can cycle together and have fun.

5. Always bring the patch kit 

The patch kit will be helpful in case you encounter flat tires. Therefore, you should learn to patch up the flat tire by yourself to avoid being stranded in a remote or unsafe location. 

6. Bring some cash

In case you forget to bring your phone or the patch kit, cash will be ideal for catching a bus or a cab home. 

It’s always a good idea to carry some cash while biking just in case of emergencies. Check out auto repair centers near Fort Hood Area that offer bike repair services in case of any unexpected damage.

7. Know and understand the bike safety rules 

Each state might have its rules for bike safety, so you should check the list from the League of American Bicyclists here. 

8. Use the hand signals that are understandable by drivers

There are many ways to signal a lane change or a left turn. You can hold your left arm to the left side of your right arm to the right side, depending on which side you want to turn. 

It’s important to communicate with drivers when cycling on the road. One way to do this is by using hand signals that are easily understood. Another way to be prepared for safe and successful bike rides is by choosing the right BMX handlebar width. Check out our BMX handlebars size chart to learn more about the importance of handlebar size and how to choose the perfect width for your bike.

9. Always keep both your hands on the handlebars

In case an emergency occurs, you can keep better balance, quickly react and break faster. 

10. Make noise and use body language

You cannot get eye contact with the opposite drivers often. So, try creating noise by yelling, waving an arm, ringing a bell to capture the driver’s attention. Being a noisemaker in this situation will be a great idea. 

11. Make use of front and rear lights

In some places, it is obliged to install the front and rear lights for your bike. The lights allow you to stay visible. 

12. Know how to do turning 

Option 1: After going through the green light, you should stop at the end of the intersection. Then, you dismount your bike. When the light changes, you walk across with the foot traffic. 

Option 2: Move to the left turn lane as the cars do. 

13. Take the lane if necessary

When the road is narrow, and cars do not pass you on the left safely, you should simply turn off or take the lane. Instead, you should also use different streets. 

When cycling, it is important to prioritize your safety first. If you need to take the lane to avoid any potential harm, do it. Knowing the nearest auto repair shops around Fort Hood area can be helpful in case of any bike damages. Remember to always wear your helmet and be aware of your surroundings.

14. Behave properly when you are riding your bike

It is illegal when cyclists switch back and forth between sidewalks and streets. Plus, it is also confusing for other drivers and unsafe for pedestrians, especially at intersections. Therefore, when you need to use the crosswalk or sidewalk for some reason, you had better dismount to walk your bike. 

15. Choose the bike-specific paths

There are a lot of recreational paths designated for cyclists. Advisably, you choose these paths to ride so that you can avoid dangerous threats to your safety. 

16. Be careful when crossing the railroad tracks

Train tracks do not run straight across a street but diagonally. If you do not want to lose control over your bike’s path, you have to slow down. After that, you angle the bike so that it can make perpendicular accurately to the tracks and cross the train tracks. 

17. You must be seen

As you can see, the cyclists often wear reflective clothing and bright colors. Dressing as a fluorescent peacock is better for your safety when you bike late at night, in the early morning, and on cloudy days. 

When riding a bike, it’s essential to make sure you’re visible to others on the road. One way to achieve this is by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Check out this article on what to wear for passport photos for inspiration on how to stylishly incorporate reflective elements into your outfit. This can help keep you safe while also looking trendy.

18. Check the weather forecast

It is important to know the weather forecast before you bike as you can prepare essential things for your riding. For instance, you can wear waterproof gear or prepare a small backpack for some additional lightweight layers. 

19. Be alert

You must not wear an earpiece or headphones when riding as you need to hear your surroundings. 

20. Bring along your ID, mobile phone, and drinking water

These two seem to be necessary when you do not prepare the patch kit. When something bad takes place, your mobile phone comes in handy, while the ID is ideal for helping emergency responders check who you are. Besides, the water is the primary item for long rides, especially when you are mountain biking. 

21. Get creative with your cycling path

It will help if you opt for roads that have dedicated bike lanes or are immensely wide. On weekends, you should choose quiet neighborhood roads instead of high-traffic ones. 

22. Do not ride against the traffic

You cannot make the right turn when choosing to ride against traffic. More importantly, if you ride on the road’s left side, the chance you might get in an accident will go up to 3.6 times compared to normal situations. This number doubles for bikers aged 17 years old and under. The reason is that drivers barely look right for upcoming traffic when they enter the road from the driveway. 

Riding a mountain bike on the road can be tricky. Check out this guide to riding mountain bikes on the road to learn whether it’s an option for you. Remember to always ride with the traffic and obey traffic laws to stay safe on the road.

23. Eye contact is unreliable 

Some cyclists might believe in eye contact as the oncoming drivers see them. However, it does not always work. When you are going at high speed, it is difficult to know exactly where the driver is looking at. So, you should rely on the overall behavior of the driver rather than eye contact. 

24. Do not pass on the right 

Even if you see the car ahead of you move slower, you should not glide past on the right. In case the driver intends to change lanes or turn right when you pass, the crash will definitely happen. 

25. Be watchful at intersections

When being at the front of the line and the traffic light turns green, you should watch out for some red-light runners before you pedal forward. Moreover, when you come to a stop, you should hang left in the lane, which helps other drivers in front of and behind you to see you well. 

26. Keep safe if you bike at night

Biking at night is very risky and challenging. Apart from installing lights on your bike and wearing reflective gear, you should be immensely familiar with the routes. Do not choose roads with gravel and potholes. Besides, ensure that your bike is in good shape by inspecting the chain, brakes, and tires before setting off. 

FAQs

1. Is cycling 3 miles daily good?

It depends on your purpose of cycling. If you try to lose weight, 3 miles is not enough to exercise. To keep a good level of fitness, you need to ride at least 150 minutes each week. Otherwise, if you just want to ride a little bit to chill, cycling 3 miles a day is not a bad idea. 

2. Is 3 miles a long bike ride?

3 miles is not really a long bike ride. Instead, it is also a great distance for people cycling to their workplace. 

3. How many calories does cycling 3 miles burn?

To know exactly the calories, you can burn when biking 3 miles, you have to calculate your distance and your time covered. After knowing the time and distance, you can calculate your average speed. After that, you look into the burned calories chart over time from NutriStrategy.com, for example, to estimate the calories you have burned. 

If you’re looking to burn some calories, cycling is the way to go. According to studies, cycling can burn more calories than walking, making it a great way to stay in shape and improve your overall health. If you’re interested in tracking your calorie burn, be sure to check out a calorie calculator to help you stay on track with your fitness goals.

4. How many miles do I have to bike a day to lose weight?

The miles you have to bike depends on your weight and your endurance. For instance, if you weigh about 125 pounds and you want to burn 1500 calories, you might have to bike at 15 miles each hour. However, if you cannot afford this speed, you can cycle at 12 miles each hour, and you can burn roughly 1200 calories. 

5. Does cycling burn belly fat?

Cycling is an effective exercise to reduce your belly fat. Even though your stomach muscles will not work as hard as your glutes or quads do when you ride, you still burn your belly fat. Cycling is a type of aerobic nature so that you will burn fat from your entire body. 

6. Can cycle slim your legs?

Cycling does help you slim down your legs and tone. However, the more important thing is that you have to burn your overall body fat as you cannot spot burn fat in your legs. Besides, you should also combine with an appropriate eating diet. After that, you will get your legs slimmer with some muscle definition. 

If you want to slim down your legs effectively, cycling could be a beneficial exercise. According to the research stated in Biking Vs Walking Workout: Which One Is Better? cycling can burn more calories and fat than walking which can lead to losing more weight overall. You can also check out other useful tricks to slim your legs in 12 Simple Exercises Help to Lose Thigh Fat with Videos.

7. How can I be faster when riding my bike?

If you desire to be good at something, you have to do it regularly and properly. It means you should practice well, learn the gears, and the way to use them efficiently. Additionally, instead of driving or commuting by public transport, you can switch to a bike. Hence, you can both improve your fitness state and save your pocket. 

Conclusions

It is seen that there is no accurate or real answer for the question “How long does it take to bike 3 miles?”. This article’s information is just estimated to some valid extent as the number might differ considerably depending on a wide range of factors. And you should have a try and test yourself now and then. 

If you are willing to do that, you should cover a mile in different circumstances and terrains and record the time. When you get accustomed to riding, you can improve your skills, your riding times and set a benchmark for yourself. However, whatever your time to bike 3 miles is, enjoying the experience is the most important.