Many of us are probably asked if we aren't worried about biking in the road, not because of the danger from cars, but because of the pollution being spewed by motor vehicles. However, there have been numerous studies that show that car drivers are exposed to as much or more pollution than bicyclists. here's another one. Some of us may want to book mark it for use in future, "Really? Do you have evidence of that?" arguments.
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/457/index.html >From the abstract: This purpose of this project is to assess the comparative risk associated with exposure to traffic pollution when travelling via different transport modes in New Zealand cities. Concentrations of the key traffic-related pollutants (particulate matter: (PM): PM10, PM2.5, PM1; ultrafine particles (UFPs) and carbon monoxide (CO)) were simultaneously monitored on pre-defined routes in Auckland and Christchurch during the morning and evening commute on people travelling by car, bus, on-road bike, train (Auckland only) and off-road bike (Christchurch only) from February to May 2009. The key results of this research are: • Car drivers are consistently exposed to the highest average levels of CO. • On-road cyclists are exposed to higher levels of CO, PM1 and UFPs than off-road cyclists. • Car drivers and bus passengers are exposed to higher average levels of UFP than cyclists. • At some parts of their journeys, travellers are exposed to very high levels of pollution, often for short periods of time. • Locating cycle paths just a short distance from roads can reduce pollution exposure significantly. • One hour of commuting could contribute up to 20% of total daily CO and UFP. • PM10 and PM2.5 are inappropriate indicators of exposure to vehicle emissions. Robbie Webber Transportation Policy Analyst State Smart Transportation Initiative www.ssti.us 608-263-9984 (o) 608-225-0002 (c) [email protected]
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