@bobjonkman asks:
Q7. Forest fires across the world have blown smoke to places hundreds of (miles|km) from the fires. Air quality has gone down, some days to dangerous levels. Have you adjusted your biking because of low air quality? Changed your route? Worn an N95 mask? Stopped biking?
#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
#BikeNite A7: I've been wearing an N95 pretty much any time I'm out of the house for a few years now (basically, since I learned how much more effective they are compared to cloth masks) and that includes cycling.
My usual mask is a 3M Aura, though on a recommendation from a friend I've started keeping a V-flex handy for really intense rides (e.g. I'm running late for an appointment across town) because that "duckbill" style mask has more surface area and correspondingly better airflow. I think it took a little getting used to at first, but I hardly notice it now. I occasionally ride with an elastomeric respirator, but usually reserve those for indoor spaces and/or big crowds.
Edit: Right, the question was about smoke! With an N95 as part of my normal riding kit, I don't worry too much about air quality these days because I'm already doing pretty thorough mitigation for it.
Phil (ascentale)
April