Is it recommended to wear a face mask when riding bicycle around cars? - eviltoast

Hello.

Twice a day I ride bicycle for 2km along a busy city road (2x2 lanes at 50km/h).

From a health standpoint, is it recommended to wear a face mask (N95)? Does it stop exhaust fumes?

Thank you.

  • KaiReeve@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Oxygenation may be a concern, depending on how winded you get. I’m not saying that you’ll pass out or anything so dramatic, but studies have shown that even mild hypoxia can effect our ability to make complex decisions, which may be an issue when biking in traffic.

    • TheChurn@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      Those without respiratory issues don’t have oxygenation issues while wearing masks.

      The same air is going into your lungs, the only difference is your diaphragm has to work harder due to the filtering effect of the mask. If it can’t manage that, then you are likely already on oxygen due to low tidal volume and chronic hypoxia.

      You can buy a pulse oximeter from CVS for like $20 and test this yourself if you don’t believe me.

      • max@feddit.nl
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        1 year ago

        As much as I hated that excuse during the pandemic, I think I’d have trouble breathing when wearing an FFP3/N95 mask while cycling. Granted, I’m talking about cycling as a sport, not for commuting (though I tend to have a decent speed while commuting). Going 30 km/h I really need my air to keep it up.