01337227

Component

https://doi.org/10.3141/2247-04

http://scholar.google.com...orge&publication_year=2011

Bicycling as a mode of transportation is increasingly seen as a healthy alternative to motorized transportation modes. However, in congested urban areas, the health benefits of bicycling can be diminished by the negative health effects associated with inhalation of particulate matter. Particles of small size (ultrafine particles <0.1 µm) are the most harmful, even during short-duration exposure. Because vehicular exhaust is the major source of ultrafine particles, the impact of traffic levels and bicycle lane characteristics on exposure of bicyclists was studied. Ultrafine particle exposure concentrations were compared in two settings: (a) a traditional bicycle lane adjacent to the vehicular traffic lanes and (b) a cycle track design with a parking lane separating bicyclists from vehicular traffic lanes. Traffic measurements were made alongside air quality measurements. The cycle track design mitigated ultrafine particle exposure concentrations for cyclists. Results showed statistically significant differences in terms of exposure levels for the two bike facilities, as well as correlations between traffic levels and exposure level differences. Results also suggested that ultrafine particle levels and spatial distribution were sensitive to proximity to signalized intersections. Findings of this research indicated that, in high traffic areas, bicycle facility design had the potential to lower air pollution exposure levels of bicyclists.

01361562

11-3070

English

pp 24-32

2011

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

9780309167673

Print

Figures (7) ; References (22) ; Tables (1)

Air pollution; Air quality; Bicycle lanes; Bikeways; Cyclists; Exhaust gases; Health hazards; Particulates; Traffic volume

Design; Environment; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; I15: Environment; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Feb 17 2011 6:23PM

• Are Cycle Centers Effective Transport Interventions? Evaluating King George Square Cycle Center in Brisbane, Australia
• Bicycle Parking Analysis with Time Series Photography
• Bikeability and the 20-min Neighborhood: How Infrastructure and Destinations Influence Bicycle Accessibility
• China’s Hangzhou Public Bicycle: Understanding Early Adoption and Behavioral Response to Bikesharing
• Estimating Potential Effect of Speed Limits, Built Environment, and Other Factors on Severity of Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries in Crashes
• Evaluation of Shared Lane Markings in Cambridge, Massachusetts
• How Do Level of Experience, Purpose for Riding, and Preference for Facilities Affect Location of Riding? Study of Adult Bicycle Riders in Queensland, Australia
• Intersection Crossing Times of Bicyclists: Quantitative Measurements at Diverse Intersections
• Much-Anticipated Marriage of Cycling and Transit: How Will It Work?
• Pilot Models for Estimating Bicycle Intersection Volumes
• Travel Time Competitiveness of Cycling in Sydney, Australia
• Uniform Vehicle Code and State Statutes Governing Bicycling, 2010: Analysis of Definitions and Statutes
• Weather or Not to Cycle: Temporal Trends and Impact of Weather on Cycling in an Urban Environment