Impact of Bicycle Lane Characteristics on Exposure of Bicyclists to Traffic-Related Particulate Matter

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.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/2247-04
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Impact+of+Bicycle+Lane+Characteristics+on+Exposure+of+Bicyclists+to+Traffic-Related+Particulate+Matter&author=C.+Kendrick&author=A.+Moore&author=A.+Haire&author=A.+Bigazzi&author=M.+Figliozzi&author=C.+Monsere&author=L.+George&publication_year=2011
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166530.aspx
• Authors:
  • Kendrick, Christine M
  • Moore, Adam
  • Haire, Ashley
  • Bigazzi, Alexander
  • Figliozzi, Miguel
  • Monsere, Christopher M
  • George, Linda
• Publication Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 24-32
• Monograph Title: Bicycles 2011
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2247
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Air quality; Bicycle lanes; Bikeways; Cyclists; Exhaust gases; Health hazards; Particulates; Traffic volume
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; I15: Environment; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01337227
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309167673
• Report/Paper Numbers: 11-3070
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 19 2011 7:17AM