Cycling efficiency and calorie expenditure compared to walking

Research indicates that cycling is significantly more energy-efficient than walking. Based on a 1973 study by engineer S. S. Wilson published in Scientific American, a cyclist consumes approximately five times less energy per gram of body weight per kilometer than a walker. In comparative studies, cycling has shown higher efficiency than horses, salmon, and jet aircraft when measuring energy per gram per kilometer.

The amount of calories burned during cycling depends on intensity, speed, and body weight. According to the Compendium of Physical Activities, recreational cycling at speeds of 12 to 16 kilometers per hour burns roughly 200 to 350 calories per hour. Increasing the pace to 16 to 22 kilometers per hour or riding more vigorously at 23 to 28 kilometers per hour can increase expenditure to between 450 and 700 calories per hour.