Another interesting Scientific American article on urban cycling
This one is about diesel (and other) exhausts and the particulates and gases we're all breathing in every day, and even more than usual because we're breathing heavier while we bike.
Probably the best summary sentence:
Though Australian researchers found that exposure to these pollutants is actually higher while riding inside a vehicle than while riding a bike, turning your handlebars in the direction of back roads might still be a good idea, for safety’s sake, as well.
I'm not hugely impressed with the article, personally, but then again it's more of a blog-type thing and not meant to stand up to any kind of scientific rigor. I guess their main advice is "sticking to less-trafficked roads wouldn't be a bad idea, for your lungs' sake," and I can't disagree with that. But I'm also really curious what their evidence (metals in tree leaves) means for pedestrians. Is it worse for peds because they're spending longer on the road to walk between the same two places? Or do most people not walk as far as people would bike?
Anyway, just thought I'd share the article and see what discussion comes of it. Local pollution being bad for you is no surprise to any of us, but I don't often think about it while biking until I get stuck behind a bus.
