Health benefits

Air pollution exacerbates the effects of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, and contributes to the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases or mental conditions (dementia, depression). It is also responsible for the death of 3 million people in the world every year. Today, only 29 % of Canadians live in an environment where the air is considered of good quality, contributing to 15,300 premature fatalities every year. Moreover, in 2016, the cost of all the sanitary impacts caused by air pollution was estimated to 120 billion dollars in Canada (6 % of GDP).

Even if cyclists are exposed to air pollution during their trips, the health benefits of their activity largely outweigh the negative effects of pollutants exposition.

Furthermore, by implementing cycling infrastructures separating cyclists from motorized vehicles, these risks can be reduced. Indeed, the distance from pollution sources is an important determinant of the amount of pollutants inhaled. Therefore, due to their position directly into traffic, motorists are highly exposed to air pollution, especially when caught in traffic jams.

Noise pollution has significant impacts on health, especially in urban contexts. Beyond its impact on hearing, noise is source of stress that can affect sleep (and so physical and mental recuperation) and increase risks of high blood pressure and heart attack on the long term. Because of their young age, children are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution, which can result in cognitive development issues (hyperactivity, lower cognitive performances, loss of long-term memory). Encouraging the use of biking instead of cars could contribute to make our cities calmer and improve the wellbeing of their inhabitants.