How to figure out time it takes to bike instead of drive?

Question

How do you figure out how long it would take to get somewhere on a bike if you know how long it would take to get there in a car?

Given that the car would roughly be driving at a normal speed of 40mph and it would take said car five minutes to get to a specific place (that is 2 miles away), is there a formula or such that would help me find out how long it would take to get there on a bike? Given that the bike would be going at a brisk, casual pace-not super fast but not entirely slow? And not counting in factors such as stoplights, traffic jams, etc.

It sounds like a homework question, ha ha.

But I'm just curious to know if there is a formula that would make it easier than me having to actually go out and test how long it takes to bike and drive there.

Thanks!

Answer 1

You need to know the distance. Then you need to know how fast you can bike for that distance taking into account wind speed, hills, and obstacles such as stopping for traffic lights and other motorists and pedestrians. When you come to a good average bike speed, multiply this by the distance and presto you have the time.

Answer 2

There are so many variables that i dont think there could be a formula. For instance on a bike you can avoid things such as some stop signs and the such. While in a car you might have to sit for 2-3 minutes at a stop light on a bike you might be able to just make certain everything is clear and go on your way. You might be able to find many more short-cuts on a bike.

Just go out and time yourself. Thats the best way.

Answer 3

No formula other than distance divided by speed equaling the time.  i.e. MilesPerHour (mph).  So if you know the distance and the average speed you bike at, you can determine approximately how long it will take.