11 ways to increase your average speed: training tips and instant gains

When looked at over a period of months, your average speed can tell you a great deal about how you’re improving as a cyclist. Here’s some top tips to increase yours

Male cyclist riding hard to increase his average speed
(Image credit: Future)

"What's a typical average speed for a cyclist?"; "How can I increase my average speed when cycling?"; "Average cycling speed by age"; "Beginner average cycling speed": it doesn't take a deep dive into Google's 'Autocorrect' (or, indeed any internet forum), to realise that cyclists of all levels are interested in benchmarking and building upon their pace. 

Even the most inexpensive cycling computers will show your max, current and average speed as you’re rolling along. But once you have that information, how can you see where you sit, compared to other riders? And, how can you up the numbers?

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Average cycling speed according to Strava data
Male cyclists20.4 kph (12.7 mph)
Female cyclists17.7 kph (11 mph)

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Hannah Reynolds

Hannah Reynolds interest in cycling began while studying for a degree in Sports Science at the University College Chichester and surrounded by elite level cyclists. She is now undertaking a PhD at Sheffield Hallam University investigating the use of e-bikes by older people. 

A committed dabbler whose passion outweighed her talent Reynolds has competed across all disciplines of cycling bar BMX. In the very distant past she has been south-east road race champion, southern cyclo-cross champion and finished third in the European 24hr Solo mountain-bike champs in 2011. She was also the Fitness Editor of Cycling Weekly for 15 years. 

Hannah Reynolds is author of several cycling books, France-en-Velo a guide to the ultimate 1000 mile cycle route from the Channel to Med; Britain's Best Bike Ride. LEJOG1000; A 1000 mile journey from Land's End to John o' Groats and 1001 Cycling Tips