UK Strava users rack up more than half a billion kilometres in 2014

Cyclists in the UK racked up more than half a billion kilometres between them in 2014, according to data released by the online ride and run-tracking network. The data also reveals the pulling-power of the Tour de France, with big rises on activity on Yorkshire climbs used in the race.

The company says that its Strava Story gives an unparalleled insight into the activities of the UK’s bike riders, or at least, those who use it, whether they are commuters or people wanting to ride the route of the Tour de France Grand Départ.

The allure of Yorkshire hosting the opening two days of the world’s biggest annual sporting event is highlighted by a 281 per cent increase in activity the Buttertubs Pass in July compared to June, while an 89 per cent rise was recorded on Holme Moss.

Grinton Moor saw an increase of 65 per cent, and Jenkin Road in Sheffield – the final climb on Stage 2, won by Vincenzo Nibali – was up 26 per cent, while Jawbone Hill and Cragg Vale saw respective increases of 22 and 21 per cent.

The data reveal that the average distance of a ride for men is 25 miles and for women, 21 miles, with respective average speeds of 14 and 12 miles an hour.

Among London commuters, the average speed – while the bike is in motion – was recorded at 16 miles an hour. The average commute across the UK was 10 miles, but there is a big fall off in people riding to work in the winter months, down 54 per cent compared to the summer.

The busiest day for cycling among Strava users during the year also seems to have been down to the weather – it came on Sunday 8 June, when temperatures hit 24 degrees Celsius. Looking purely at commuting, the peak day was Tuesday 22 July.

The fastest cyclists were found in the flat landscape of Cambridgeshire, averaging 16 miles an hour, while would-be grimpeurs were found in Merthyr Tydfil, posting an average gain in elevation of 591 metres during their rides.

The Heat Map below shows the UK’s hotspots for cycling activities recorded on Strava during the year.

Simon Klima, Strava’s UK country manager for Strava, said: “We launched the 2014 Strava Story to showcase personal achievements as a key element of Strava’s ethos, but it’s been equally interesting for us to gather the achievements of the UK Strava community as a whole, and share an insight into their active lives.

“In the UK in particular, where we had such a huge year for cycling thanks to the Tour de France, and where our running network has continued to expand in 2014, the Strava Story reports have detailed just how active, dedicated and impressive our Strava members are,” he added.

Globally, Strava users rode 2.7 billion kilometres during 2014 in more than 75 million separate rides.

If you use the online network, you can create your own personalised 2014 Strava Story, as outlined in our article here.