Cyclists can take cleaner route with new interactive map

Saturday, April 23, 2016, 7:32 PM - For cyclists, the decision on what route to take may be based on the quickest option. However, new research has added best air quality to the equation.

McGill University and the University of Toronto have teamed up to develop the Clean Ride Mapper to help minimize exposure to harmful particulate matter.

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The interactive map shows you the ultrafine particles in different parts of Montreal and Toronto. It also locates bicycle accidents and bike lanes. The user simply selects their starting and end points. The map then creates two route options: one route in blue shows the shortest distance and the green shows the best air quality possible.

"Studies have shown that the concentration of air pollutants tends to be higher inside vehicles than outside them," says University of Toronto professor Marianne Hatzopoulou in a U of T news release. "However, cyclists have a higher breathing rate, which means that they inhale more of these pollutants, and they go deeper into the lungs."

One of the most polluted areas of downtown Toronto is Bay Street, with over 100,000 ultrafine particles per cubic centimetre. Hatzopoulou says air pollution becomes trapped in the area due to tall buildings and smaller roads.

Research shows increased exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

"There are a lot of factors that influence the choice of a cycling route besides pollution," says Hatzopoulou in the release. "For example, there is safety, separation from traffic, elevation and distance. Which ones would cyclists be willing to trade off in order to decrease their pollution exposure?"

Sabreena Anowar, a research with Hatzopoulou's team, has designed a survey to better understand how cyclists factor the risks of pollution into their routes. It has launched in Toronto, Montreal, Orlando, Austin and New York. The team hopes to get at least 3,000 participants.

SOURCE: U of T | Clean Ride Mapper