A million miles of cycling in numbers

A couple of weeks ago we launched Long Distance Cycle Journeys (LDCJ), an online resource of bicycle journeys over 6,000 miles (10,000km).

We’ve had a huge response already (see below) and are pleased to be able to launch the accompanying Summary Stats page: everything from how far cycle tourists travel in an average month, to what type of bike/wheel size is most popular and how cyclists carry their luggage.

More stats will follow soon (in particular, average costs per month and kilometre, and cheapest/fastest/slowest trips). For now, browse some numbers below and visit Long Distance Cycle Journeys for more.

Information current on January 9th 2014. For up to the minute info, visit Long Distance Cycle Journeys – Summary Stats.

Trips registered at Long Distance Cycle Journeys

• Number of trips registered: 62
• …of which completed: 44
• …of which ongoing: 18
• Number of cyclists registered: 84

How long does it take to cycle around the world?

• Average trip duration: 1 year 11 months
• Shortest trip: 4 months
• Longest trip: 7 yrs 9 months

Distances travelled

• Mean trip distance: 28,133km
• Longest single trip: 143,550km
• Mean monthly distance: 1,680km
• Longest average distance travelled in a month: 5,812km

What type of bikes do cycle tourists use?

• Touring bike: 74%
• Mountain bike: 13%
• Road/racing: 3%
• Recumbent: 5%
• Other: 5%

What handlebars are on bikes used for touring?

• Straight (mountain bike style): 52%
• Drop bars (racing style): 23%
• Butterfly: 18%
• Other: 8%

How many cycle tourists use internal (hub) gears vs external?

• Internal (hub) 38%
• External 62%

How many cycle tourists use 700c wheels vs 26″?

• 700c 27%
• 26-inch 72%
• Other 2%

How many cycle tourists use disc brakes vs rim?

• Rim 81%
• Disc 19%

What means do cycle tourists use to carry their luggage?

• Front rack 82%
• Back rack 94%
• Trailer 10%

 Long Distance Cycle Journeys