Cycling, Wildfire Smoke and Staying Safe
Many people in our community are rightfully concerned about exercising outdoors because of the smoke from the wildfires in our area.
With more folks now than ever using a bike for transportation, exercise and recreation, cycling has become a crucial aspect of life. How do we determine if it’s safe to ride?
There’s a number of factors that contribute to the answer to that question. But before we get into those factors, let’s take a look at how smoke affects our health.
The Not-So-Good News
What’s of most concern in an area affected by wildfire are the fine particulates in the smoke which can have a serious and lasting effect on our lungs. These particulates (PM2.5) are too small to see, and require a special filter or mask* to remove from the air we breathe.
Even just a minimal amount of smoke can irritate and inflame our eyes and respiratory tract, causing a scratchy throat, coughing, and increased mucus. Breathing high levels of smoke can reduce lung function, and increase the risk of stroke, asthma and heart attack.
Naturally, effects are more serious for those who already suffer from lung-related medical issues, as well as chronic heart disease or diabetes. Children (under 18), seniors (over 65), and expectant mothers are also considered to be at higher risk, no matter how healthy they might be.
Likewise, active people may be at risk because exercise causes deeper breathing which causes more particulates to move through our respiratory system.
The Oh-Yay-This-Is-Good News
On the upside, there are plenty of resources and tips to help inform those of us who depend on a bike for transportation and physical and mental health.
With a little research, planning, and flexibility, you should be able to spend quality time with your beloved two-wheeled steed while protecting your health as well.
Assess the AQI
The best gauge for determining whether it’s safe to hop on your bike is to assess your area’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
Established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AQI provides real-time updates and forecasts on the pollution levels in our air. This is very useful information when planning for outdoor activities.
The EPA reports the AQI for five potentially harmful air pollutants that are regulated by the Clean Air Act. Those pollutants are ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
During a fire event, we’re most concerned with particle pollution, which is also referred to as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Refer to this EPA guide for more information on particle pollution and how you can reduce your exposure, protecting your health.
For your local air quality forecast, visit airnow.gov or purpleair.com. Don’t despair if the forecast is unhealthy. There may still be times during the day when air quality is okay for outdoor activities.
Since air quality can change rapidly, be sure to check regularly to see if it’s a good time to be active outdoors.
Monitor Wind Direction
It may take some practice and patience, but tracking wind direction via weather satellites can help in planning a route that avoids downwind smoke.
Take Advantage of Clear Windows
Longer smoke events generally have windows of time during which air quality improves. If your schedule allows, be ready to hop on that bike at any given opportunity.
Prepare for these opportunities by having your cycling kit ready, essentials packed, tires pumped up, chain lubed, etc. You don’t want to waste a blue sky on digging around for that favorite chammy!
Be Flexible, Take It Easy
For those riding for recreation or exercise, it’s best to reschedule smoky rides for a better time. Alternatively, consider reducing your exposure by choosing a less strenuous route, or shortening your ride time.
It’s not so simple for those of us who rely on our bike for transportation and don’t have control of our schedules. If you absolutely must pedal your bike in unhealthy air, reduce your exposure by going as slow and easy as you can.
Remember, the more exertion, the more particles you inhale. Try to breathe through your nose vs. your mouth if possible. Our nasal passages boast a natural filtering ability which can help cut down on the pollution delivered to your lungs.
If you can’t avoid traveling by bike during a smoke event, perhaps check with your doctor to see if a respirator such as the N-95 mask is a viable option for you.*
Keep Hydrated
Consistently drinking water can reduce the amount of smoke that travels into your lungs. This is a good tip for anyone in a smoke zone, whether you’re active or sedentary.
Stay Informed
Another safety precaution worth mentioning here is to stay in the loop on updates about the fire’s perimeters and growth, as well as any road closures and damage that might affect your route.
In Conclusion
We hope this information helps you plan your bike rides and stay safe during the wildfire crisis in our area.
Please keep in mind that although the content above has been collected from various credible sources and is accurate to the best of our knowledge, Epicenter Cycling assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content.
Furthermore, this content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. Contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
We recommend browsing the websites listed below as references to further familiarize yourself with wildfire smoke-related issues.
*Regular dust masks, surgical masks, and the face coverings we’re using for COVID will not filter out the fine particles. Masks that are effective for smoke, such the N-95, may be hard to come by during the pandemic as there’s a great demand for them for frontline health care workers. Moreover, keep in mind that this type of mask can make it more difficult to breathe, so you have to be especially careful with your level of exertion; it’s meant for slow, regular breathing. It’s also important to consider that wearing a respirator may increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially when active.