Effect of Cycling Development As a Non-Motorized Transport on Reducing Air and Noise Pollution-Case Study: Central Districts of Tehran Publisher



Monazzam MR¹ ; Karimi E² ; Shahbazi H^{3, 5} ; Shahidzadeh H⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Urban Climate Published:2021

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible reduction of air and noise pollution due to the substituent of motorcycles and personal vehicles with bicycles by the theoretical phase and to compare the exposure of a cyclist to noise pollution in using different modes of transportation in the field phase. In the theoretical phase, different scenarios were designed based on a 25% and 50% reduction in the volume of motorcycles and personal vehicles separately, as well as a simultaneous reduction of 50% for motorcycles and personal vehicles. The effect of running these scenarios on reducing air pollution was investigated using emission inventory model and on noise pollution by CadnaA software according to DIN 45687 and ISO 17534 Series. In the field phase, the exposure of a cyclist to noise pollution in the use of different modes of transportation was investigated in two main and secondary routes based on the weighted-time average method. Considering the 64% share of passenger cars in the total volume of motor vehicle traffic in Tehran, the highest noise reduction is expected to occur in the scenario of 50% replacement of private cars with bicycles under which, the average sound level near the main thoroughfares and highways will decrease by 1.8 dBA and PM2.5 and NO2 emissions by about 11 and 1196 t/y, respectively. According to the field investigations, noise levels for motorcyclists, cyclists, drivers, and public transport passengers were far higher than for car drivers, which may be attributed to the loud background noise and lack of a control system such as a proper cabin. By replacing cars and motorcycles with bicycles, air and noise pollution will definitely be reduced and cyclists will be less exposed to pollution. Accordingly, exposure to air and noise contaminants should be considered as effective decision-making criteria when locating bicycle lanes. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.