I agree with Alex Rothney that cyclists escape a great deal of traffic air pollution by reason of their higher position relative to the road, but there is another reason why they escape much of the pollution (6 May, p 25). Cyclists spend much less time in traffic jams than motorists, as with a bike it is always possible to squeeze past stationary vehicles, or even to dismount and become a pedestrian.
Furthermore, cyclists do not use the same routes as motorists: riders can use minor roads and off-road cycle lanes that bypass the more congested areas. Air pollution contributes to death from cardiovascular and lung disease, but all the evidence from cyclists indicates that regular cycling has a protective effect.
From Iain Hayes
I feel that Rothney has slightly missed the point. Even if cyclists aren't suffering from air pollution to the same extent as other road users, it ...
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