Tour de France distance: casual cyclists would take 41 YEARS on average to complete it

The Tour de France is the most famous cycling race in the world and during the three weeks it takes place, participating cyclists cover an impressive 2,200 miles.  

But as the professionals prepare for the Grand Départ on July 1st, statistics have revealed cyclists in England bike just 54 miles per year on average.*  Meaning it would take the average pedal pusher nearly 41 years to cover the same distance as the peloton in the Tour de France.

Only 2% of cyclists in England hop on their bike five times a week or more* - and even these most committed cyclists would need to travel 8.4 miles every day for a full year in order to travel the Tour de France distance.

Ryan Fulthorpe, Go.Compare spokesperson, said: “Pedal bikes are an everyday essential for many in the UK, and as well as commuting, they’re a great source of exercise - and fun, too. 

“Although we won’t all be racking up the same number of miles as a Tour de France cyclist, it’s still important to make sure our bikes go the distance. 

“Even if you aren’t planning on training for the Tour de France race, bicycle insurance is also an important consideration, as this can not only help you get back on your bike quickly in the case of theft or damage, but also protect against other costs - such as sourcing replacement parts, paying for emergency treatment, and legal fees. Some policies will even provide you with a replacement bike to ride while yours is repaired or reimbursed. 

“Remember, though, that your insurer will expect you to care for your bike - and issues such as wear and tear, or preventable theft, are unlikely to be covered. Our top tips for bike owners are:

• Keep it clean - this will help prevent the build-up of grease and grime, and help extend the life of your bike.
• Use an approved bike lock - not using a lock, or using a poor quality one, could potentially invalidate your insurance.
• When unattended, secure your bike in an open area - thieves are less likely to steal your bike if it is locked in a busy public place. Secure it to an immovable object, like a lamppost, making sure to position the lock through both wheels as well as the frame.
• Register your bike - list your bike on The National Cycle Database, so that if it’s stolen and later found you can prove ownership.

For more tips on keeping your bike safe from damage and theft, visit: https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/bicycle-insurance-guide/