sweet persimmon

New Belgium presents Tour-de-Fat, aka good beer and biking. They are touring through 13 U.S. cities and will be in Chicago today promoting sustainability awareness.  There will also be a bike parade through the city starting in Palmer Square at 10am, then good eats, people and prizes until 4pm, all benefiting West Town Bikes. Should be a great time!

I enjoy biking whether it is for recreation or the commute to school/work. It’s refreshing to see so many cyclists out and about. There are so many health benefits to cycling that it seems odd that cycling would be linked to any health risks. When I read this article, it reminded me of when I first got on my bike after a hiatus to ride to school. I noticed how much I could not stand being right next to cars, trucks and buses, especially their exhaust. Was I suppose to get use to this? I felt very concerned on what I was inhaling and weighing the costs and benefits of my commute on bike during busy the traffic times. I even looked up options such as a mask. I found a plastic mouth and nose cover with filters, however, being hot and breathing through plastic didn’t seem any better.

With the article yesterday stating biking during high traffic times are linked to risks it made sense. As a cyclist, you are completely exposed and that also means each breath you take into your lungs. Small particles and exhaust can cause asthma and heart-related issues. “Proximity to tailpipes is one reason why cyclists have a high exposure to the tiny particles, which are emitted by vehicles along with thousands of other chemicals. Diesel buses and trucks are among the worst offenders.”

What can you do? Try not to bike during very heavy traffic areas and take roads that are not as congested. Also push lawmakers to have car manufacturers improve their fuel standards and emissions for the sake of all of us. Click the title for the full article.