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As every year, the social network Strava, with 100 million users worldwide, reveals enlightening data on sports practice and acts as an observatory of physical activity trends. Largely driven by commuting (home-to-work journeys), cycling is gaining share, mainly in disciplines practiced off the beaten track. Worldwide, e-MTB (electric mountain biking) is the big winner of a trend that is confirmed in 2022.
The share of cyclists on Strava who ride electric bikes increased by 26% this year. 16% of e-bike trips are commutes, compared to 12% for muscle bike trips (30.4% more). 23% of e-bike trips are on trails (compared to 12% of muscle bike trips). Also, the number of rides by French female athletes increased 1.9 times faster than those by male athletes.
Whether motivated by a desire to explore, discover wide-open spaces, or a need for adventure, 52% of Strava athletes worldwide uploaded an outdoor activity in 2022, all activities combined. These outdoor activities are 55% more likely to be done in groups.
Together, we go further
This adage is more true than ever on Strava in 2022. Riding in a group allows for rides twice as long in duration and distance as a solo ride. This is very clearly seen among women, for whom Strava records durations 134% higher and distances 180% longer. For men, the observation is the same, with durations 85% higher and distances 101% longer.
In groups of three or more, the figures are even higher. In France, Strava records activities 131% longer in duration and 170% longer in distance when riding with 3 or more people. Men also rode faster in groups than alone, which is hardly surprising when you think of professional peloton breakaways, or that friend who speeds up to be the first to reach the town signs.
In the heart of winter, in January 2022, cyclists who added group activities on Strava had 87% more activity time on their bike computer compared to those who rode solo.
E-MTB brings everyone together
Electric mountain biking is gaining more and more followers, with electric assistance allowing at least to get familiar with the world of two wheels and, for some, to tackle difficult terrains they would not have approached without assistance.
On Strava, the percentage of cyclists who recorded electric bike rides increased by 26% this year. This increase is mainly observed among older athletes, who are much more likely than younger ones to use electric bikes. Similarly, the adoption of this new electric assistance technology is much higher in certain countries. Statistically, older cyclists more often decide to switch to electric assistance.
Explore, always further
Cyclists did not shy away from long rides. Like the iconic marathon goal for runners, the 100-mile ride (160 km, what English speakers call the “century ride”) is a rite of passage for many cyclists. This year, the share of cyclists who recorded at least one 100-mile ride increased by 22% globally, including in countries that use the metric system. France ranks second in this ranking, with a 37% increase in the 100-mile mark over the past year.
Most 100-mile rides are still on asphalt, but long-distance gravel races are increasingly popular for varying the pleasures.
France, number 1 in sports tourism
In 2022, France is the country where foreign visitors engaged in the most sports activities. It thus takes the top spot on the podium ahead of Spain and Italy. France also reaffirms its status as a cycling territory, as cycling is the most practiced sport by foreigners visiting French territory. Strava figures show that they favor regions offering legendary climbs, with Haute-Savoie at the top of the list, followed by Vaucluse and then Isère.
Foreigners are not the only ones who love Savoie, as the Alpine region is also the most popular destination for French users who have uploaded Strava activities away from home.
Source: Press Release
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