If you've ever wondered about the air you breathe while cycling in London, or thought about wearing one of those anti-pollution masks, you might be interested in finding out about the pollution levels in your area.
Sign up for free to twitter messages and SMS alerts from AirTEXT, telling you the daily air quality index for the UK. The index represents air pollution using a 1-10 scale divided into four bands: LOW (1, 2, 3), MODERATE (4, 5, 6), HIGH (7, 8, 9), VERY HIGH (10).
Levels 1-6 are considered perfectly safe, but at higher levels those who suffer adverse effects should consider reducing their outdoor activity.
It's particularly important for the elderly, and those with heart and lung problems, as well as asthma sufferers.
The alerts also include temperature, UV ray and pollen information, to make sure you're prepared for your journey.
The site also links to longer-term studies on the effects of air pollution, which make sobering reading.
Air pollution is made up of numerous different pollutants, some of which have known harmful effects on the human body.
The pollution from diesel engines is of particular concern as the small particulates or ultra fine particles which tend to be emitted by diesel engines, can be inhaled further down into the lungs than the larger particles.
In people with existing respiratory disease this can cause significant airway irritation and breathing difficulties.
Some researchers believe that panting cyclists breathe deeper than other city inhabitants, drawing in more harmful pollutants into their lungs with every breath.
But knowledge, as they say, is power, and AirTEXT promises to be a tool that might influence your decision to choose a less congested route, or wear a mask on days when pollution is at its highest.
No idea. He just seems to be a rich, selfish, violent twat.
Fair point, but do the motoring reports ever have sections exclusively commented on by cyclists and pedestrians? No? So it's only when it's for...
They should get rid of those entitled bus lanes. Buses are just more traffic - and they keep stopping. That's not helping congestion! I mean -...
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What an utter super cnut. ...
I did have sympathy for those who live 500m inside the limit, and commute outwards. I have relatives who do the opposite....
Porsche Taycan. £150k wank-panzer
Well hello and welcome tempingblower!...
As an individual, it is much harder but with a group more doable....
I know how traumatic it is after a major impact to get back on the bike, and get back to something you love doing that puts you at risk....