Drinks brand Tenzing Natural Energy, has created a new free mobile tool to its app that helps runners and cyclists detect polluted air across London.
The ‘Tenzing Clean Air Tracker’, was launched on 4th July 2019 with the aim to help active Londoner’s find clean air running routes.
The app works by syncing with GPS fitness tracking app STRAVA, giving users a live Air Quality Score for their route.
Following its launch, over 125,000 runs have been logged, with 42% (53,000 runs) added since lockdown began on 23rd March 2020.
Huib van Bockel, founder of Tenzing, said: “We're doing all we can to make sure people have the option of an energising drink that's free from chemicals and nasties, so why should that be any different for the air you breathe?”.
Lockdown has seen a 300% rise in the number of people cycling, with an estimated tenfold increase in London alone.
By choosing less polluted routes, cyclists are also increasing not only their air quality but their level of safety from road accidents.
Around 40,000 deaths a year in the UK are attributed to the exposure of outdoor air pollution costing more than £20 billion every year.
Andrew Grieve, senior air quality analyst at King’s College London said that runners and cyclists breathe more heavily and are at higher risk of flooding their lungs with toxic pollutants.
He said: “I’d encourage everyone to use this tool to find the quietest and lowest pollution routes for their commute, whether you’re running, walking or cycling.
“Cycling is a fantastic zero-emission way to get around the city. We have a window of opportunity now to reconfigure our cities to be friendlier for walking and cycling.”
With poor air quality an issue in other major cities across the UK, Tenzing is planning to extend the Tracker to people nationwide in 2021, ensuring that anyone can search for clean air.
Tenzing Clean Air Tracker app is avaliable to downaload at www.tenzingcleanairtracker.com
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