Pollution levels worse on on-road cycle lanes
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This does seem rather obvious to us but researchers at the University of York scientists have suggested that using off-road cycle routes in the city significantly reduces cyclists’ exposure to air pollution compared with on-road cycle lanes.
The university’s environment department came to this conclusion after monitoring exposure to the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide on both types of cycle routes over a two-month period.
Off-road routes
The study showed the total dose of the pollutant, taking into account the duration of the cycle journeys, was reduced by between 7% to 35% when cycling on off-road routes.
High doses of nitrogen dioxide can inflame the lungs, while prolonged exposure to lower doses can reduce the ability of the lung to function. Nitrogen dioxide as we know is mainly emitted from vehicles.
Of course if the Daily Mail is to believed, the pollution that a cyclist inhales can also lead to heart attacks.
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