Cycling and Older Adults: Insights from the 50+ Cycling Survey

Below is a guest post from Carol Kachadoorian, executive director of dblTilde CORE, Inc., reporting on the 50+ Cycling survey, which is conducted with funding from the Mineta Transportation Institute and San Jose State University. 

Click here to participate in this year’s survey.

With older adults comprising an increasing percentage of our population, a focus on how to ensure they remain mobile, independent, and engaged is important. The 50+ Cycling Survey, Year 4, conducted by dblTilde CORE, Inc., in partnership with the Mineta Transportation Institute, sheds light on how older adults are adapting to changes in their physical and mental abilities in order to continue cycling. 

The survey helps answer questions such as:

• How important is cycling in a person’s life as they age? What do they want from cycling?
• What can older cyclists do to mitigate the effects of aging on their cycling so that they can continue to cycle into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s?
• What infrastructure designs and operations benefit older cyclists?

Some older cyclists get a different bike, such as a tandem, trike, or e-bike. Others change where they cycle by limiting their rides to trails or with others. One older cyclist told me, “The older I get, the more I need safer and more comfortable circumstances to cycle.” Here’s a closer look at what the Year 4 survey (and a sneak peek at the Year 5 responses to date) reveal about how aging impacts cycling and how to keep the enjoyment going.

The impact of aging on mobility

Mobility habits naturally evolve with age. These habits can be described as a bell curve that follows childhood to adulthood to the third stage of life, going from dependent mobility to independent mobility and back. Many older adults eventually stop driving due to physical or cognitive changes. In fact, AARP data indicates that while 80% of people over 65 are still driving, this number drops sharply to 35% by age 80. 

The 50+ Cycling Survey shows that cycling remains an attractive option for those looking to stay active and independently mobile. For many older adults, cycling can be a key mode of transportation for independent mobility, so they don’t have to rely on others or public transportation. 

Cycling also offers opportunities for valuable social engagement through regular cycling outings with friends, supported or unsupported cycling tours, or having bicycle-related conversations during social gatherings or at the local bike shop. For example, 85% of those responding to the Year 5 survey say they ride for leisure or social activity and 65% for fitness.

A growing number of bicycle options for older riders

Once limited to a handful of choices, people who cycle can now choose a bicycle that specifically fits their needs or wants. For older adults, selecting the right bike from the range of choices increases the likelihood that they will continue to cycle as they age. 

It is common for older cyclists to have different bikes for different purposes. One man in his mid-60s responding to the Year 4 survey noted, “I occasionally use a road bike (it’s not as suitable for poor road conditions, so the hybrid is my primary bike). I also use a tandem when with my spouse, transporting goods, or picking up another person.” Those with tandem bikes are typically couples, as this response suggests, especially when one of the couple is not as strong a rider or has a medical condition that makes a two-wheel bike difficult. For example, one respondent said, “I wanted to be able to ride further and faster than I could ride on my own, and my partner is more technically skilled on a bicycle than I am.” Another person sees his tandem as part of “relationship building — whichever direction your relationship is going, you will get there twice as fast on a tandem.”

A small percentage of older adults opt for an adult trike: 3.6% in the Year 4 survey. This is often due to balance issues or because they need a cargo bike for carrying groceries and other purchases. Three-quarters of these trikes are e-assist. 

However, the reluctance to purchase a trike may be a sense of going backwards physically. One person put it this way, “If I can’t ride a two-wheeler anymore, it’s time to hang it up.” This sentiment was echoed by someone who is trying to have an open mind: “Getting over my trike shame (I was the last kid in Grade 1 to give up trike).” About 40% of those from the Year 4 survey don’t anticipate getting a trike. Several people said they would get one when they are older; others pointed to a specific birthday, such as 80, 90, or 100. It’s unclear if these comments were tongue-in-cheek or not.

Many seniors are turning to e-bikes

As you might guess, e-bikes are a popular choice for older cyclists, and they have the potential to revolutionize mobility for seniors. Still, a good percentage of those responding to the survey each year don’t expect to get an e-bike. Over the years we’ve offered the 50+ Cycling Survey, e-bike ownership rates have grown from 3% in Years 1 and 2 to 8.2% in Year 3, 17.5% in Year 4, and they have jumped to 29% to date in Year 5. Thirty percent of these are past-year purchases. 

As older adults begin to feel physical limitations such as reduced strength, balance, or endurance, e-bikes offer a practical solution, as long as an older adult’s balance and strength allow them to ride what is often a heavier bike with faster speeds. With features like pedal assist and motorized power, e-bikes make it easier for seniors to cover longer distances, tackle hills, and ride for extended periods, all while reducing strain on the body.

For many survey respondents, switching to an e-bike has allowed them to continue cycling even after they’ve stopped driving. In fact, some participants reported using e-bikes for the majority of their local trips, shifting away from cars altogether. This trend points to the growing importance of e-bikes in promoting active transportation and improving the quality of life for older adults.

Life changes lead to more cycling

Contrary to the assumption that people cycle less as they age, the survey reveals that life events such as retirement, moving to a bike-friendly community, or gaining a new partner can actually increase cycling frequency. Many older adults find that with more free time, they can incorporate cycling into their daily routines — whether it’s for transportation, leisure, or fitness. In fact, when asked under what circumstances they would stop cycling, 36% of those responding to the Year 5 survey say they expect to continue cycling.

Participants in the survey shared how e-bikes have enabled them to explore their surroundings in new ways. One respondent noted, “I discovered nearby cycling infrastructure [like rail-trails] that I was not aware of before.” Another mentioned, “I decided to cycle to less crowded grocery stores and do so more frequently.” These stories highlight how e-bikes not only support mobility but also provide opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.

Adapting to changes: Staying safe while cycling

As with driving, cycling requires some adjustments as people age. The survey offers insights into how older cyclists adapt their habits to stay safe. 

For instance, many respondents avoid cycling at night or in bad weather, and they stick to quieter roads or bike paths to reduce the risks associated with high-traffic areas. Some older cyclists use radar detection systems or louder horns to stay aware of their surroundings, while others have switched to step-through frames or a trike for added stability. 

One Year 4 survey respondent said she was cycling more because she “…attended a road biking class and feel more confident to join hillier and longer rides.” These small changes allow older adults to continue cycling safely while accommodating the physical challenges that come with aging. More information on how older cyclists can make small changes to keep cycling is available in this article.

The health benefits of cycling

Cycling isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s also a powerful way to improve both physical and mental health. The 50+ Cycling Survey highlights the many health benefits that come with regular cycling, particularly for older adults. From improving cardiovascular fitness to boosting mental well-being, cycling — especially with the help of e-bikes — offers a low-impact, enjoyable way to stay active.

For many older adults, e-bikes have also become a tool for enabling social engagement, especially if it means they can keep up with stronger cyclists or cycle with others in places with challenging topography. Whether cycling with friends or participating in local cycling events, e-bikes help older adults stay connected to their communities, reducing feelings of isolation and improving their overall quality of life.

The future of cycling for older adults

The 50+ Cycling Survey paints a promising picture of the future of cycling for older adults. As more communities embrace bike-friendly infrastructure and its benefits and the range of bicycles available allow older cyclists to adapt — whether by switching to a tandem, a trike, or an e-bike — we can expect to see an increasing number of older adults taking to the streets and trails. 

Cycling can serve as a lifeline for older adults looking to maintain their independence, improve their health, and stay connected with their communities. With support and the right bike, such as an e-bike, older adults can continue to cycle, staying active and engaged for years to come.