Pollution Five Times Worse For Bikers

A recent research project suggests that cycling in cities is five times more polluting for the body than driving or walking.

The study, conducted by the transport research institute at Hasselt University in Belgium, involved cyclists wearing devices to measure the air they take in. The study found that as a result of cycling in a city, riders inhaled tens of millions of toxic nanoparticles with every breath. Such particles are mostly emitted by car exhausts and are allegedly linked to heart disease and respiratory health conditions. Of course, aerobic exercise such as cycling is well know to improve cardio-vascular health. Cyclists, and presumably runners, inhale more particles because of increased breathing due to the effort of cycling (or running).

Anti-pollution masks are not uncommon in major cities around the world and are probably used more commonly amongst cycle couriers. One popular brand available here in the UK is Respro. Anti-pollution masks use charcoal based systems to filter out the pollutants emitted in city traffic. Respro offer a range of anti-pollution masks and associated replacement filters and accessories. Here is a price comparison for the Respro City Mask:

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