The Chainlink

Interesting article about cyclists inhaling 2.3 times more black carbon than walkers

Newest excuse to avoid cycling

 

I know the test is inconclusive and need more research and tests on more people, but I have felt from time to time that I inhaled some bad air from vehicles exhausts. I do have felt that I am having a bit more trouble breathing. At first, I thought it was allergy (which have never hit me this hard before), but after reading this, I may have to rethink this.

 

Maybe have some kind of face masks like the one depicted in the article?

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In the late 80s and early 90s, when I worked at my company office on Wacker Drive. I would do my training ride after work (between 4:45 pm and 7pm), Monday thru Thursday. I would ride the bike trail north to Ardmore then take Sheridan to Baha'i Faith Temple or Gillson Park in Winnetka. I began to notice that I was having a tough time riding full throttle when I was riding along the lake. Especially when the wind was coming from the west. Of course I'd just push harder because this is a training ride. But instead of getting faster I was being slowed down because, doing deep breathing at this point on the bike path, was like a panting race horse after the Kentucky Derby. A lot of mucus in my throat and constantly belowing my nose. I was making other excuses for this but I finally realized. The closer I got to Evanston the better I felt. I finally realized that pushing hard along Lake Shore Dr. during rush hour traffic was not good for this kind of effort. So I adjusted my ride to cruising along the lake, then once I got to Loyola Univ. I would pick it up. On the weekends I was fine. I think the the difference was the cars just sitting there releasing exhaust and instead of rolling down Lake Shore Dr. (higher concentration of exhaust gases).  Now my company is out south so no problems.

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