Exposure to noise and air pollution by mode of transportation during rush hours in Montreal

The use of mixed models demonstrated that public transit commuters' and cyclists' levels of exposure to noise are significantly greater than motorists' exposure. Again, using mixed models, we found that although the levels of exposure to the NO2 pollutant do not significantly differ among the three modes, the inhaled doses of NO2 pollutant are more than three times higher for cyclists than for motorists due to their stronger ventilation rate. It is hardly surprising that the benefits of physical activity are of course greater for cyclists: they burn 3.63 times more calories than motorists. This ratio is also higher for public transport users (1.73) who combine several modes (walking, bus and/or subway and walking).