Pollution on my commute

[mustang1]

(The short version is at the end in italics).

This morning (well, just like every other morning really), I encountered diesel pollution from the following types of vehicles:
Cars, buses, lorries, vans.

Out of these vehicle types, the cars seemed to bother me the least, by a loooong margin. Yes, the govt seems to attack car drivers the most for their polluting vehicles. I don't get it.

Of course I get it, private motorists are an easy target.

Today was slightly different. My commute is usually 60 minutes long because I avoid the main roads as much as possible. Today's commute was on the main roads and only 45 minutes long while sweating less. Soon, my commute will need to go from the back roads to the polluted roads due to having to get leave a little later, yet still arrive to work in time.

Would you continue using the back roads and arrive at work late, or sniff the diesel fumes and arrive at work on time?

(Sorry about this, I think I have posted this 3 times as I was impatient with the Submit Post button. I've asked for the dupes to be removed).

 

[bikingdad90]

Take the short route and wear one of these

 

[Dan B]

Your "location" field says you're in London, so : https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/environment/ultra-low-emission-zone

* Buses in the forthcoming ULEZ will all be hybrid (double decker) or "zero emission" (single decker)
* new taxis/minicabs all "zero-emission capable" from 2018
* no taxis older than 10 years
* HGVs and coaches after 2020 must meet Euro VI emissions standards or pay £100/day to enter London

I think those were the initial proposals which have since been watered down, but I'm curious where you get the impression that car drivers are the hardest done by

 

[Dan B]

Take the short route and wear one of these

I'm sure that's great if breathplay is your thing, but my appetite for public displays of fetish stops at Lycra

 

[Wolf616]

I'm not convinced by those pollution masks. Can anyone point me towards research supporting/refuting their claims?

 

[matiz]

I would take the short route and avoid getting the sack

 

[Moodyman]

I'm not convinced by those pollution masks.

It's been discussed numerous times on CC and the overwhelming consensus is that they're more hassle than they're worth especially if you ride with enthusiasm.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Although Volkswagens may be a bit more of a problem than initially thought.

 

[steveindenmark]

I would take the back roads and set off earlier. In fact, that is exactly what I do.

 

[BEHMOTH66]

I'm lucky set of at 6am and finish at 3 and I miss the biggest chunk of rush hour(s)

 

[Gravity Aided]

I use trail as much as possible.

 

[slowmotion]

I've used respirators at work. They are miserably uncomfortable to wear if you actually have to do anything. Fan assisted, positive pressure masks are good but bulky. They probably wouldn't work at all well on a bike though.
If you suffer from asthma brought on by diesel fumes, I can see that you might have a problem. Personally, I just breathe it.

 

[SomethingLikeThat]

You probably end up breathing more in sitting in your car in traffic.

 

[Wolf616]

You probably end up breathing more in sitting in your car in traffic.

I think it depends on how good filters your car has. Some research suggests you get more in cars, but if you have an efficient filter then you will get less (but give more to everyone else!)

 

[classic33]

I've used respirators at work. They are miserably uncomfortable to wear if you actually have to do anything. Fan assisted, positive pressure masks are good but bulky. They probably wouldn't work at all well on a bike though.
If you suffer from asthma brought on by diesel fumes, I can see that you might have a problem. Personally, I just breathe it.

Factor in the cost of replacement filters, suitable for diesel/petrol exhaust particles, and it suddenly becomes expensive.

Anti-pollution masks