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Comment by grwthckrmstr | Hacker News Reader

Here in India I see a few people cycling to work. A "few" (we have a LOT of people).

I can't see adoption increase. I myself won't ride a cycle, because

1. There's way too much pollution on the roads. I'll die breathing that air

2. If I don't die breathing that air, some car or bus driver who doesn't give a shit about other people's lives and is on their phone while driving will hit me and perhaps kill me (or worse, leave me disabled for life)

I want to cycle to work everyday. I want the exercise. I want to live, and to be healthy, and to protect the environment.

But the flip side is, I might die.

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Is 1 really all that different from driving in a car with the AC on? If I understand correctly, car filters typically only filter very large particles that would damage the engine.

Your also not exerting yourself and breathing as much though, I would think.

Engine air and cabin air are two separate intake paths.

The cabin air in modern cars is highly filtered.

" Most dust filters will stop 100 percent of all particles that are 3 microns or larger in size, and 95 to 99 percent of particles 1 to 3 microns in size. The combination dust and odor filters have a layer of activated charcoal or baking soda to absorb odors and air pollutants. Some of these filters may even be lightly scented to enhance the driving experience."

https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/filtration...

So yes. Being in a car with AC on is much better.

Makes sense, thanks!

For most commutes the car would still win even if the air inside was the same as the air outside, because the car would be faster so you would have less total exposure.

As far as car interior air goes, I've noticed that when I walk to a nearby market during times when there is a fair amount of traffic I can really notice the smell from the cars, but when I myself am driving on that same road in similar traffic I cannot smell it.

My guess is that the rate of exchange of air between the car and outside is low enough that at least for short trips (a few miles, say) it mostly remains air that was from my neighborhood, which is half a mile away from any heavy traffic road.

Note: this is without using the AC.

Also you’re not breathing as much as when you’re biking.

1. Nano titania filters, a UV illuminated volume, after the microfiber dustcloth large-particle filter inlets and reactive nano silver filters, for the mouth; same for the nose but with damp cloth filters too, for larger volume draws, in case something needs be smelt. Or hills. Totobobo spares, I suppose. 1.5. Rain and particle riding shawls 1.5.5 Neem oil/piney spray soap for those if they have to air in a hall. 2. 600Hp tata drone circling you defensively. JK. Sprung banners outside any rear panniers with waxed or superhydrophobic finishes all the way up to head height, and laserfoil (diffractive) finishes and automatic illumination there, in case of bespoke drivers; spares monthly just to stay shiny as a new, narrow bus?

Again we see that people will cycle if you give them cycling infrastructure.

Are there fines in India for driving while using a phone? If so, is it policed?

Ha ha ha.

Sorry, couldn't resist. Yes there's probably a fine on car drivers, but typically you pay a smaller bribe and get out.

Bus drivers are difficult to punish due to unions, etc

Yes, I figured it was poorly policed if it existed at all, but was interested in knowing for sure.

The police departments have to fill a quota so they will give an official fine to some people, once they fill the quota for that month, they are free to ask for a bribe.

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