Every day more and more capitals of the world implement urban transportation systems like the program that was introduced in Mexico City in 2010. The reasons are many, and the results are incredible on many levels.
We want to share some with you and invite you to leave the car at home, and put your helmet on!
Reduction of pollutants in the air
For 2012, according to calculations, the reduction of pollutant emissions has been 232 tons, and with a projection as the system progresses of 600 tons less for 2020.
These emissions mainly consist of the following:
Carbon Monoxide (CO): it is an odorless, colorless, flammable and highly toxic gas. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of the motor of vehicles, among other activities. Produces soil erosion when combined with other substances in the atmosphere and it can cause cardiovascular diseases when inhaled, as well as effects on the fetus during pregnancy.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx): are gaseous binary chemical compounds formed by the combination of oxygen and nitrogen released into the atmosphere from the exhaust of motorized vehicles, once in the air they form nitric acid, producing the effect known as acid rain, contributing to the soil erosion and eutrophication of rivers and lakes. Similarly, NOX affects the lungs in living beings and favors the development of allergies.
Suspended particles (PM): it is the accumulation of solid or liquid material fractions in the atmosphere, generated among other activities, by the combustion of motorized transport. The size of the particulate material ranges from .005 to 100 microns. In recent years, attention has focused on particles smaller than 10 μm which correspond to the range of coarse, fine and ultrafine particles. These particles affect visibility and deteriorate ecosystems of all kinds; they are a risk factor for lung cancer and cardiopulmonary diseases.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2): SO2 is a colorless gas from the burning of fossil fuels that contain sulfur in their composition. Exposure to this pollutant causes irritation and acute or chronic inflammation of the conjunctival and respiratory mucosa. In addition, when SO2 is transformed into other compounds such as sulfuric acid or sulfate, it can cause an increase in the mortality of chronic heart patients.
Total Organic Compounds (TOC). The TOCs are the set of gases considered in hydrocarbon emissions. This concept includes all carbon compounds except carbonates, metallic carbides, carbonic acid, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide (INE, 2005). In the long term, exposure to certain species of TOC can increase cancer cases. TOCs also include VOCs, the description of which is presented below.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are carbon-containing chemicals that can turn into vapors or gases due to their volatility1. These compounds are released into the atmosphere by the burning of fuels and in general by all the products in the paint industry. Their importance lies in the fact that they are classified as precursors of tropospheric Ozone2 (O3) and also contribute to the formation of photochemical smog. Its health effects include irritation of mucous membranes, dizziness and stomach pain, as well as fatigue and affectations to the central nervous system; It has also been shown that they can be carcinogenic (Tox Town, 2012).
Ammonia (NH3). It is a colorless gas with a pungent and foul odor. It is produced naturally by decomposition of organic matter; it is easily soluble and evaporates quickly. Ammonia is often considered a contaminant that reduces visibility due to its interaction with other contaminants.
Transfer days saved
Time today is money, and saving 2065 days in three years according to statistics for 2013 according to Ecobici's studies, not only represent a great saving in productive time for workers who use the system, but also time to be more relaxed and have energies for work itself
Fuel savings
Although the figures do not appear in their studies, the urban bicycle transport system saves a significant amount of hydrocarbons in a scenario where fuel prices (although they fall in international markets) do not do so in the consumer's pocket.
Traffic
The urban areas where ecobici operates, as the system deepens and expands to other areas of the city, has a positive impact on traffic. Condesa, Polanco, among others, although at peak times they still look congested, they are less so than before.
Do you want more reasons?
Do you want to join the system? Visit ecobike and subscribe to the system.
Source
Study of the Reduction of Emissions and the Co-Benefits Generated by the Implementation of the ECOBICI Program. (2010, 2011, 2012)
Frequently asked questions from our readers:
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atmosphere sulfur bike cancer Carbon fuels combustion dioxide Diseases monoxide organic sustainability
Last modified: 2024-10-15T23:32:15+11:00
