What Speed Does Google Maps Use for Cycling? Explained

Ever followed a Google Maps bike route that seemed to think you were zooming downhill on a road bike? The app isn’t guessing-it’s using a built‑in speed assumption to calculate travel time. Knowing what that speed is helps you interpret the ETA, spot why the route feels off, and decide if you need to adjust your expectations.

Key Takeaways

• Google Maps assumes a default cycling speed of13km/h (8mph) for most routes.
• The speed is applied uniformly unless the map detects a bike lane, major hill, or traffic‑free path.
• Actual rider speed, elevation, and bike type can cause ETA errors of ±10‑20%.
• You can’t manually set a personal speed in the app, but you can influence routing by selecting "Avoid hills" or using third‑party apps that feed custom speeds to the Google Maps API.
• Comparing the default speed to typical cyclist categories shows where the app’s estimate lines up or falls short.

Let’s break down how Google Maps decides your bike’s pace, why it matters, and what you can do about it.

How Google Maps Calculates Cycling Speed

Google Maps is a web‑based navigation service that offers driving, walking, public‑transport, and cycling directions. For cycling, the platform relies on a preset average speed to estimate travel time.

The default speed is 13km/h (8mph). This figure comes from internal studies that aggregated anonymized bike trips across major cities and balanced commuter‑type pacing with recreational riding.

When the algorithm detects a dedicated bike lane or a low‑traffic path, it may bump the assumed speed up to 15km/h (9mph). Conversely, steep climbs trigger a reduction to about 10km/h (6mph). The adjustments are rule‑based, not based on real‑time rider telemetry.

Why Speed Matters for ETA and Route Choices

The ETA estimated time of arrival you see is a direct multiplication of distance by the assumed speed. If Google Maps thinks you travel at 13km/h but you’re actually cruising at 20km/h, the ETA will be about 35% longer than reality.

Beyond timing, speed influences which roads the algorithm prefers. Faster‑assumed speeds push the route toward flatter, bike‑friendly streets, while slower speeds may keep you on quieter residential lanes to avoid steep grades.

Typical Cyclist Speed Profiles vs. Google’s Default

Understanding where you fall on the speed spectrum helps you predict how accurate the app’s ETA will be. Below is a quick comparison:

As the table shows, most cyclists exceed the app’s baseline, especially on flat urban routes. The mismatch explains why the ETA can feel overly cautious.

Can You Change the Speed Setting?

Unfortunately, the consumer version of Google Maps does not expose a manual speed slider. However, there are workarounds:

1. Use the "Avoid hills" option. Ticking this box tells the engine to favor flatter routes, effectively applying a higher default speed.
2. Leverage third‑party navigation apps. Apps like Komoot or Ride with GPS let you set a custom average speed, then export the route back to Google Maps via a shared link.
3. Use the Google Maps API. For developers, the Google Maps Directions API accepts a traffic_model parameter, but not a direct speed override for cyclists. However, you can post‑process the returned polyline with your own speed assumptions and rebuild an ETA.

These methods don’t alter the built‑in speed, but they give you more control over the route you end up riding.

Factors That Skew Google’s ETA

Even with the default speed, several real‑world variables cause the ETA to drift:

• Elevation. Google’s algorithm adds a penalty for climbs, but the model is coarse. A 200‑meter hill can add 5‑10 minutes more than the simple speed reduction predicts.
• Traffic and road closures. While bike routes are less affected by vehicle traffic, construction zones force detours that increase distance.
• Bike type. E‑bikes maintain higher speeds on flats but lose the advantage on steep climbs where the app’s assumed speed actually underestimates performance.
• Weather. Headwinds or rain slow riders down, but the system does not adjust for these conditions.

To get a more realistic ETA, multiply the Google estimate by a personal factor: 0.9 for fast riders, 1.1 for casual cyclists, and adjust further for hills.

Practical Tips for More Accurate Bike Navigation

Here are some quick actions you can take before you hit the road:

1. Check the elevation profile. Tap the "Details" button on the route preview to see total climb. If it’s over 150m, expect the ETA to be optimistic.
2. Test a short segment. Ride the first 2‑3km and note how long it actually takes. Use that real‑world time to calibrate the rest of the journey.
3. Sync with a dedicated bike computer. Devices like Garmin Edge or Wahoo Elemnt give you live speed data that you can compare against Google’s ETA.
4. Download offline maps. When offline, Google disables live traffic updates, which removes any dynamic speed adjustments but also prevents unexpected rerouting.

Following these steps narrows the gap between the app’s estimate and your actual ride time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding that Google Maps assumes a modest 13km/h speed puts its bike navigation into perspective. Whether you’re commuting to work or training for a ride, knowing the baseline helps you plan smarter, avoid surprises, and make the most of the routes the app suggests.