A recent reader's letter in The Evening Standard:
On Wednesday air pollution in outer London was worse than in central London, according to AirText. No doubt potential cyclists were put off by the nitrogen dioxide and particulates they would breathe in but as tests by Enviro Technology Services earlier this year showed, air pollution is actually worse inside cars than outside.
Nitrogen dioxide inflames the lungs, stunts growth and increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer, particularly in children. So, despite the poor air quality, it is healthier to cycle than to drive.
Today marks the beginning of European Mobility Week, which aims to encourage local authorities to introduce and promote sustainable transport alternatives to cars. Only two authorities in the capital have signed up — Lambeth and the City of London.
In the week that the Government rejected a diesel scrappage scheme we all need to consider giving cycling, walking and public transport a go. The car is no longer king — and its pollution is killing us.
Andree Frieze, Make Air Safe & Clean (MASC)
Well, clearly it's not healthier to cycle than drive, unless you ignore the hundreds of people injured or killing while cycling, plus the nuisance value of the lycra crew blocking the roads when you want to go for a spin.
Assuming the facts as stated to be true, the solution to all this is blindingly obvious:
a) Take the bus or train when traveling to inner London.
b) Drive a convertible car with the roof down when traveling around outer or outside London (or at least open the sun-roof and all the windows in a normal car).
Debate Magazine
