Air pollution for urban cyclists

Despite the health benefits of cycling, navigating city streets exposes riders directly to smog from buses and cars. As they weave through traffic, cyclists breathe in higher levels of pollutants like particulate matter, compared to those traveling in enclosed vehicles, due to their increased breathing rate.

Find the Air Quality Index in your location

Insect protection for cyclists

At 20+km/hr any insect impacting the face, or worse, an open mouth can cause a crash.

Food delivery cyclists

Earning income on a bicycle is growing every year, and so is cyclists exposure to heat, air pollution and UV rays.

See and be Seen with Outback Mask

Cyclists wearing UV face mask, showing strap that holds onto helmet. Outback Mask

Face masks for urban cyclists

Urban Cyclists face all sorts of dangers while riding in cities. They are at risk of being hit by vehicles, car doors, damaging UV rays, heat islanding effects and more.

Air Pollution for urban cyclists

In cities experience their highest exposure to air pollution, specifically black carbon particles from fossil fuels, while cycling, according to a study published in Atmospheric Environment. Black carbon is a component of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that is harmful to human health when present in high concentrations. This study suggests that cyclists may be exposed to even more air pollution than people who use public transportation.

A separate 2012 London study found that cyclists had roughly twice the level of black carbon in their airways compared to those who commuted by public transport.

Urban Heat Islands and Cyclists

The New South Wales government provides information on urban heat islands:

" The urban heat island effect occurs because urban environments tend to trap more heat than natural environments. Heat (mostly from the Sun) is absorbed by building materials and surfaces such as bricks, roads, carparks and concrete and then radiated into the surrounding area. In some cases, urban surfaces and buildings can be up to 10–20°C warmer than surrounding air temperatures. These materials can continue releasing heat after air temperatures have cooled, leading to higher evening temperatures in urban areas."

According to the US Environmental protection agency, 

"Urban heat islands" occur when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. This effect increases energy costs (e.g., for air conditioning), air pollution levels, and heat-related illness and mortality.

 

What makes Outback Mask the best face mask for urban cyclists? 

Cheap masks for cyclists can offer limited air filtration, hang uncomfortably from the ears, and don't offer real sun protection. This is where Outback Mask offers a multifunction solution. When fitted with a P2 Carbon Filter, you are filtering out some of the particles from automotive engines and organic vapours. 

You will have UPF 50 sun protection with great breathability, and still have a barrier for insects flying into you ! If you are cycling on a hot day, you can easily slide in a frozen gel pack in the neck pocket.