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

sonovebitch@lemmy.world to No Stupid Questions@lemmy.world – 77 points –

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.

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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.

Woah, man it's cool, I believe you. No need to threaten me with a trip to CVS.

We should all buy pulse oximeters anyway because they're cool.

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.