Bike Calculator UK | Cycling Speed, Distance & Calorie Calculator
Free UK Bike Calculator. Calculate cycling speed, distance, time, calories burned, and Cycle to Work savings. Perfect for UK cyclists with mph/km conversions.
Last updated: February 2026
Bike Calculator UK
Calculate cycling speed, distance, time, calories burned, and Cycle to Work savings. Perfect for UK cyclists with mph and km conversions.
What is Cycle to Work?
A UK government scheme allowing you to get a bike and accessories through salary sacrifice, saving on tax and National Insurance.
Average Cycling Speeds Guide
Understanding typical cycling speeds helps you plan journeys and set realistic fitness goals. Speeds vary based on fitness, bike type, terrain, and conditions.
Beginner
16-19 km/h • Casual pace, comfortable
Intermediate
19-26 km/h • Regular commuter pace
Advanced
26-32 km/h • Fit cyclist, training
Competitive
32-40+ km/h • Racing/club level
| Bike Type | Typical Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| City/Hybrid Bike | 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h) | Commuting, leisure, errands |
| Road Bike | 15-20+ mph (24-32+ km/h) | Long distances, speed, fitness |
| Mountain Bike (road) | 10-14 mph (16-22 km/h) | Mixed terrain, trails |
| Electric Bike | 15-15.5 mph assisted (UK legal limit) | Hills, longer commutes, less effort |
| Folding Bike | 10-14 mph (16-22 km/h) | Multi-modal commuting, storage |
Calories Burned While Cycling
Cycling is an excellent calorie-burning exercise. The number of calories burned depends on your weight, speed, duration, and terrain.
| Intensity | Speed (mph) | Calories/Hour (70kg person) | MET Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | <10 mph | 280-350 | 4.0 |
| Moderate | 12-14 mph | 490-560 | 8.0 |
| Vigorous | 14-16 mph | 630-700 | 10.0 |
| Very Vigorous | 16-19 mph | 770-840 | 12.0 |
| Racing | 20+ mph | 1050-1120 | 15.0+ |
UK Cycle to Work Scheme Explained
The Cycle to Work scheme is one of the most popular employee benefits in the UK, allowing you to save significantly on a new bike and accessories.
How It Works
- Your employer buys the bike on your behalf
- You pay through salary sacrifice (before tax)
- You save on Income Tax and National Insurance
- At the end (usually 12 months), you can buy the bike or extend the hire
| Tax Bracket | Tax Rate | Typical Savings | £1,000 Bike Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Rate | 20% + 8% NI | ~32% | ~£680 |
| Higher Rate | 40% + 2% NI | ~42% | ~£580 |
| Additional Rate | 45% + 2% NI | ~47% | ~£530 |
What's Included?
- Bikes: Any type - road, hybrid, mountain, electric, folding
- Safety equipment: Helmets, lights, reflectors, hi-vis clothing
- Accessories: Locks, mudguards, panniers, child seats
- Maintenance: Some schemes include service packages
Popular UK Cycling Routes
The UK has excellent cycling infrastructure with thousands of miles of dedicated cycle paths and scenic routes.
| Route/Network | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| National Cycle Network | 12,000+ miles | UK-wide network of signed routes (Sustrans) |
| Coast to Coast (C2C) | 140 miles | Whitehaven to Sunderland/Newcastle |
| Caledonia Way | 234 miles | Campbeltown to Inverness, Scotland |
| Lôn Las Cymru | 250 miles | Holyhead to Cardiff through Wales |
| London to Brighton | 54 miles | Classic charity ride route |
UK Cycling Infrastructure and Safety Guide
The UK has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure in recent years, making it safer and more practical than ever to commute by bike. Understanding the available infrastructure and road rules helps you plan efficient, safe cycling routes.
National Cycle Network
Sustrans maintains the National Cycle Network, which spans over 12,000 miles across the UK. Approximately one-third of the network is traffic-free, using former railway lines, canal towpaths, and dedicated cycle paths. Major routes include NCN Route 1 from Dover to the Shetland Islands, and the Coast to Coast route (C2C) from Whitehaven to Sunderland. Many urban sections connect directly to city centres, making them ideal for commuters. Route maps are available free on the Sustrans website and through the Sustrans app.
UK Cycling Laws You Must Follow
Cyclists in the UK must obey traffic signals and road signs. It is a legal requirement to have front and rear lights and reflectors when cycling between sunset and sunrise. Under the Highway Code updates introduced in January 2022, cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of the lane in slower-moving traffic and on quiet roads, and at least 0.5 metres from the kerb edge on busier roads. The updated code also requires drivers to leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30 mph. Cycling on pavements is illegal and carries a £30 fixed penalty notice, though police typically use discretion. There is no legal requirement to wear a helmet in the UK, though it is strongly recommended.
Bike Insurance and Security
Bicycle theft is a significant concern in UK cities, with over 75,000 bikes stolen annually. Quality D-locks and chain locks rated Sold Secure Gold or Diamond provide the best protection. Bike marking schemes such as BikeRegister (the national cycle database used by UK police) cost around £15 for a lifetime registration and significantly increase the chance of recovery if your bike is stolen. Specialist cycling insurance from providers like Laka, Bikmo, or PedalSure typically costs £5 to £15 per month and covers theft, accidental damage, third-party liability, and personal injury. Some home contents insurance policies also cover bicycles, though limits and exclusions vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
For commuting in UK cities, 10-14 mph (16-22 km/h) is a realistic average that accounts for traffic lights, junctions, and varied road conditions. On quieter roads or cycle paths, experienced commuters can average 14-18 mph. Electric bikes can help maintain a consistent 15 mph with less effort.
The most accurate method uses MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values: Calories = MET × weight (kg) × time (hours). For moderate cycling (12-14 mph), the MET value is approximately 8. So a 70kg person cycling for 1 hour burns roughly 8 × 70 × 1 = 560 calories. Heart rate monitors and power meters provide more precise individual measurements.
Yes, for most people. Basic rate taxpayers save approximately 32% on the cost of a bike, while higher rate taxpayers save around 42%. The scheme spreads the cost over 12+ months with no interest. However, there's usually a small "fair market value" fee at the end to own the bike outright (typically 3-7% for bikes under £500, or up to 25% for expensive e-bikes).
In the UK, electric bikes (EAPCs - Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles) are limited to 15.5 mph (25 km/h) motor assistance and 250W power. The motor must cut off above this speed, though you can pedal faster. The bike must also have pedals that propel it. E-bikes meeting these criteria don't require registration, tax, or a licence.
At a moderate commuting pace of 12 mph, 5 miles takes approximately 25 minutes. At a leisurely 10 mph, it takes 30 minutes. Factor in extra time for traffic lights, junctions, and locking up your bike. Many people find cycling a similar or faster journey time compared to driving or public transport in urban areas.
In the UK's variable weather, layering is key. For summer: breathable, moisture-wicking tops. For winter: waterproof jacket, thermal layers, and gloves. High-visibility clothing or accessories are recommended year-round. Many commuters cycle in regular clothes at moderate speeds, keeping work clothes in a pannier or wearing them with trouser clips.
Cycling insurance isn't legally required in the UK, but it's recommended. Third-party liability (in case you damage property or injure someone) and theft coverage are valuable. British Cycling and Cycling UK memberships include third-party insurance. Home contents insurance may cover bike theft, and some policies extend third-party cover.
A 30-minute bike ride at moderate intensity (12-14 mph) burns approximately 250-300 calories for a 70kg person. Light cycling burns around 140-175 calories, while vigorous cycling can burn 350-400+ calories. The exact amount depends on your weight, cycling intensity, terrain, and weather conditions like wind resistance.
Related Calculators
Expert Reviewed — This calculator is reviewed by our team of financial experts and updated regularly with the latest UK tax rates and regulations. Last verified: February 2026.
Last updated: February 2026 | Verified with latest UK rates
Pro Tips for Accurate Results
- Double-check your input values before calculating
- Use the correct unit format (metric or imperial)
- For complex calculations, break them into smaller steps
- Bookmark this page for quick future access
Understanding Your Results
Our Bike Calculator provides:
- Instant calculations - Results appear immediately
- Accurate formulas - Based on official UK standards
- Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
- 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
Common Questions
Is this calculator free?
Yes, all our calculators are 100% free to use with no registration required.
Are the results accurate?
Our calculators use verified formulas and are regularly updated for accuracy.
Can I use this on mobile?
Yes, all calculators are fully responsive and work on any device.
People Also Ask
Embed This Calculator on Your Website
Free to use. Copy the code below and paste it into your website HTML.