A new Canadian study should be of interest to any urban cyclist concerned about his/her health. The study shows what is apparent to most cyclists already - smoking tailpipes, especially from diesel trucks and buses, can have serious health impacts.
The Chronicle provides a San Francisco-based article on the study "published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives ( that) shows a link between biking in heavy traffic and heart health risks, with cyclists having heart irregularities in the hours after their exposure to a variety of air pollutants on busy roads."
"The study by scientists from Health Canada, Environment Canada and the University of Ottawa does not suggest that bikers would be better off driving." However, they do offer "a simple solution: Avoid busy streets."
The study could also encourage cyclists to join clean air advocates in pushing state environmental agencies and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to get older diesel trucks retrofitted and eventually replaced with newer models. For example, see Opinion: Support for clean diesel -- it's not an oxymoron -- must continue.
For a NYC-based article on the study, see Environmental Health News: "Exhaust-ing ride for cyclists: Air pollutants trigger heart risk".
Thanks to One Bay Area News Update
FULL STORY: Biking on busy streets linked to heart risks
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
The Paradox of American Housing
How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan
Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.
How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities
Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.
Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing
Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.