Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike?
Should a 70-Year-Old Ride a Bike? (My Honest Take After 155,000 Miles)
That’s me in the photo. I wasn’t born an athlete. Years ago, I was an overweight, out-of-shape couch dweller who could barely make it around the block.
Most seniors don’t stop cycling because they’re weak—they stop because they’re scared. Scared of falling. Scared of traffic. Scared that their body won’t cooperate. If that’s you, I get it. I’ve been there.
Fast-forward: 155,000+ lifetime miles, a 962-mile ride across Texas at 65, and now—at 70—I’m still training for multi-day events. I average about 140 miles a week, and none of it started heroic. I just kept showing up.
You don’t need toughness. You need consistency. Short rides stacked over time rebuild strength, balance, and confidence.
No shopping list—just a few simple upgrades that remove fear and discomfort so riding becomes normal again.
- A Helmet You’ll Actually Wear: Giro Fixture MIPS II — my everyday helmet (it’s the one on my head in the photo).
- Confidence Around Traffic: Take A Look Rearview Mirror — the mirror I use (lets me see what’s coming without constantly looking over my shoulder).
- One Comfort Upgrade That Prevents Quitting: Thinner-pad bib shorts — the ones I wear (I prefer a slightly thinner pad).
- Padded Gloves For Comfort & Control: HTZPLOO padded gloves — my pick (helpful for hand comfort and confidence).
Why Cycling At 70 Is Worth It
Cycling is one of the best “older body” exercises there is—because it gives you the benefits without punishing your joints.
- ❤️ Heart & lungs: steady cardio without high impact.
- 🦵 Joints: far kinder than long walks or running.
- ⚖️ Balance: riding quietly trains reflexes and stability.
- 🌞 Mood: sunlight and motion clear mental fog.
- 🚴 Freedom: you can go farther than you can on foot, and it feels good.
The Real Risk Isn’t Age—It’s Avoidable Mistakes
If you’re going to ride at 70, you don’t need speed. You need predictability.
- Ride in daylight at first.
- Choose calmer routes until your confidence grows.
- Assume drivers don’t see you.
- Give yourself extra stopping distance.
- Don’t “test yourself” on Day 1.
Most crashes don’t happen because someone is 70. They happen because the rider pushed too hard too soon, rode tired, rode in traffic they weren’t ready for, or didn’t treat safety like a system.
If you want deeper safety strategies, read my guide: Top Cycling Visibility Tips.
How to Start—and Keep Going
If you haven’t ridden in a while, your goal isn’t fitness. Your goal is rhythm.
- Start with 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a week.
- Add five minutes every few rides.
- Keep the pace easy enough that you could talk.
- Stop before you feel wrecked—you want the next ride to feel possible.
- After 2–3 weeks, you’ll be shocked how much better you feel.
Consistency beats intensity every time—especially at 70.
COOSPO CS600 Color Touchscreen GPS Bike Computer
- Color touchscreen + backlight (easy to read)
- Route navigation for planned rides
- Bluetooth/ANT+ sensor support
- Supports bike radar (Varia-style setups)
- Long battery life (rated up to 36 hours)
Check Current Price on Amazon →Clear screen, simple layout, and no subscription required.
Can You Still Do Long Rides At 70?
Yes. But the secret isn’t pushing. It’s building.
Endurance sneaks up on you when you ride often enough that your body stops treating every ride like an emergency. The strong older riders you see didn’t “power through.” They stayed consistent.
When You Should Be More Cautious
I’m not a doctor, but I am a realist. If any of these apply, talk to your doctor before pushing harder:
- chest pain or unusual shortness of breath
- dizziness or fainting spells
- uncontrolled blood pressure
- recent surgery or major mobility issues
Plenty of seniors ride safely—but you still have to respect your body.
Final Thoughts
If you’re 70 and you want to ride a bike, you’re not crazy—you’re smart. Cycling keeps the body moving, the mind clear, and the spirit younger than it has any right to be.
Start easy. Stay consistent. Remove the friction that makes people quit. And give yourself permission to be a beginner again—even if you used to be strong.
You might be surprised how fast “maybe I can” turns into “I’m back.”
FAQ: Senior Cycling at 70+
Is 70 too old to start cycling?
No. Start easy, stay visible, and build gradually.
Is cycling better than walking?
Cycling is lower-impact and lets you go farther with less joint stress.
What kind of bike works best?
Most seniors do well on upright, stable bikes—comfort and step-through frames are usually easiest.
Can I still do long rides?
Absolutely. Build consistency first—endurance sneaks up on you.
For a real story about learning the hard way, read: Caught in a thunderstorm at 2 AM in Bowie, Texas.
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