If you’ve ever written He is pedalling fast on his bike and wondered if it was correct, you’re not alone.
Many writers, students, and English learners get confused about whether to use pedalling or pedaling.
The confusion primarily comes from regional differences between British and American English.
People search for pedalling or pedaling to determine the proper spelling and ensure their writing aligns with their audience.
In British English, the present participle and verb forms use a double “l” → pedalling. In American English, the single “l” spelling → pedaling is preferred.
Both forms mean to push the pedals of a bicycle or to move using a pedal-like mechanism, and can also be used figuratively to describe effort or progress.
Using the wrong spelling in professional, academic, or digital content can reduce credibility or confuse readers.
This article covers the origin of the word, regional spelling rules, common mistakes, practical examples, Google Trends insights, and guidance on which form to use.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use pedalling or pedaling, ensuring clear, professional, and regionally appropriate writing.
Pedalling or Pedaling – Quick Answer
✅ British English: pedalling (double “l”)
✅ American English: pedaling (single “l”)
Examples
British English:
- He is pedalling up the hill.
- She enjoys pedalling to work every morning.
American English:
- He is pedaling up the hill.
- She enjoys pedaling to work every morning.
❌ Common Mistake:
- He is pedaling up the hill in the UK. → ❌ Incorrect
- ✔️ He is pedalling up the hill in the UK.
Quick Tip: Use pedalling for UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand audiences. Use pedaling for US audiences.
The Origin of Pedalling or Pedaling
Word Origin
- The verb comes from pedal, derived from Latin pedalis (of the foot), which relates to using feet to operate a mechanism.
- First used in the English language in the 19th century as bicycles became common.
- Figurative use developed later, meaning to make steady effort or progress, e.g., pedalling ideas.
Spelling Differences
- British English doubles the consonant l when adding -ing, resulting in pedalling.
- American English simplifies spelling, keeping a single l → pedaling.
- Both forms are correct regionally but must be used consistently within a document.
British English vs American English Spelling
Comparison Table
| Feature | British English | American English | Notes |
| Base verb | pedal | pedal | Same in both |
| Present participle | pedalling | pedaling | Double “l” in UK, single “l” in US |
| Past tense | pedalled | pedaled | Double vs single “l” |
| Third-person singular | pedalls | pedals | Rarely discussed |
| Style guides | Oxford & Collins: pedalling/pedalled | Merriam-Webster: pedaling/pedaled | Follow your audience or style guide |
Examples
- UK: He is pedalling his bicycle to the park.
- US: He is pedaling his bicycle to the park.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Audience-Based Advice
US Writers
- ✔️ Use pedaling in all contexts.
- ✔️ Past tense → pedaled.
UK & Commonwealth Writers
- ✔️ Use pedalling (present participle) and pedalled (past tense).
- ✔️ Common in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries.
Global Content
- ✔️ For international audiences, pedaling/pedaled (US English) is widely recognized due to American English influence in media, business, and technology.
- ✔️ Always match the spelling to your style guide or target audience.
Common Mistakes with Pedalling or Pedaling
- ❌ He is pedaling uphill in the UK. → Correct: He is pedalling uphill.
- ❌ She pedalled yesterday in the US document. → Correct: She pedaled yesterday.
- ❌ They are pedalling their ideas in American writing. → Correct: They are pedaling their ideas.
- ❌ The cyclist has pedalled for hours in US content. → Correct: The cyclist has pedaled for hours.
- ❌ He pedaling fast to finish the race. → Correct: He is pedaling fast.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Double “l” → UK, single “l” → US
- Maintain consistent spelling throughout
- Check audience and style guide
Pedalling or Pedaling in Everyday Examples
In Emails
- UK: I am pedalling to the meeting now.
- US: I am pedaling to the meeting now.
In News Headlines
- UK: Olympians pedalling through challenging courses.
- US: Olympians pedaling through challenging courses.
On Social Media
- UK: Just finished pedalling 20km around the city!
- US: Just finished pedaling 20km around the city!
In Text Messaging
- UK: He’s pedalling hard to catch up.
- US: He’s pedaling hard to catch up.
In Formal Writing
- UK: The committee is pedalling strategies to improve efficiency.
- US: The committee is pedaling strategies to improve efficiency.
Pedalling or Pedaling – Google Trends & Usage Data
Why People Search This Term
- Confusion between British and American English
- Academic assignments, business, and digital content
- ESL learners checking for correct spelling
Popularity by Country
- UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand → pedalling/pedalled dominate
- US → pedaling/pedaled dominate
- Global learners search both to confirm usage
Observations
- Present participle forms (pedalling/pedaling) are often used in practical and social contexts.
- Past tense (pedalled/pedaled) is common in reports, historical writing, and biographies.
Keyword Variations Side by Side
| Phrase | Meaning | Correct Usage |
| pedalling | UK present participle | ✔️ He is pedalling up the hill. |
| pedaling | US present participle | ✔️ He is pedaling up the hill. |
| pedalled | UK past tense | ✔️ She pedalled 15 miles yesterday. |
| pedaled | US past tense | ✔️ She pedaled 15 miles yesterday. |
| pedalling hard | UK idiom for exertion | ✔️ He is pedalling hard to win. |
| pedaling hard | US idiom for exertion | ✔️ He is pedaling hard to win. |
FAQs
1. Is pedalling ever wrong?
No, it is correct in British English. Avoid using it in US English.
2. Can pedaling be used in the UK?
Yes, but it may appear as American spelling. Pedalling is preferred.
3. Why is there a double l in UK English?
British English doubles consonants when adding -ing after a stressed vowel.
4. Are past tense forms different?
Yes: UK → pedalled, US → pedaled
5. Is consistency important?
Yes, maintaining the same spelling in a document is essential for professionalism.
6. How can I remember the difference?
Double “l” → UK (pedalling/pedalled), single “l” → US (pedaling/pedaled)
7. Can pedalling/pedaling be used figuratively?
Yes. For example: pedalling ideas, pedalling strategies, or pedalling motivation.
Conclusion
The correct spelling of pedalling or pedaling depends on your audience.
British English uses pedalling in the present participle and pedalled in the past tense, while American English prefers pedaling and pedaled.
Both forms mean operating pedals or figuratively putting effort into an action or idea.
To ensure professional and clear writing, match the spelling to your audience.
Use pedalling/pedalled for UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries.
Use pedaling/pedaled for US or global audiences influenced by American English.
Consistency is key to avoiding mistakes and maintaining credibility in emails, social media posts, academic papers, and professional reports.
Understanding these regional nuances allows you to communicate clearly and accurately.
Whether describing a cyclist, a process, or metaphorical effort, using pedalling or pedaling correctly ensures your writing is polished, professional, and audience-appropriate.
I’m Karl Wiggins, a content writer specializing in English grammar, vocabulary, and common language mistakes, with an emphasis on clarity and accuracy.
