When grey smog has become a frequent visitor, is Hangzhou still the best city for cycling?
In the cycling community of Hangzhou, “DaQLa Ketchup,” born in 1984, is known for being tech-savvy. But over the past month, to understand and combat smoggy days, this die-hard cyclist has taught himself to become something of a smog expert. He even funded, contributed effort, and dedicated time to launch a WeChat public account specifically aimed at educating sports enthusiasts about smog.
To fight smog, he launched the WeChat public account “Smog Survival Handbook,” which gained over 10,000 followers in a month
An 80s-born die-hard cyclist from Hangzhou
Turned into a half-smog expert by the haze
Races canceled, training suspended
After frustration, launched the “Smog Survival Handbook”
“DaQLa Ketchup,” whose real name is Fang Da, is 29 years old. His love for bicycles began in college. In February this year, having switched from mountain bikes to road bikes, Fang Da not only enjoys cycling himself but also became a coach for the cycling team on the “Cyclists Network.” His passion for cycling is evident.
“Besides the team training, I also have my own daily training routine. I feel uncomfortable if I don’t cycle for a day,” Fang Da explained. After graduating from university, he started his own company, worked in commercial real estate and group-buying websites, but his biggest interest outside work has always been cycling. Now, he’s even involved in organizing many amateur events. “But now, with such severe smog, not only can events not be held, I can’t even cycle myself. I’ve always been concerned about health and environmental issues, and in frustration, I registered this WeChat public account on November 23.” The account Fang Da registered is called “Smog Survival Handbook.” It’s only been a month, and it already has over 10,000 followers. “The worse the air quality, the more people pay attention. During the period when PM2.5 levels were off the charts, we gained over 1,000 new users in a single day.”
Spent 8,000 yuan on a cycling trainer
Forced to stay home and “ride over mountains and valleys”
The reporter also subscribed to Fang Da’s “Smog Survival Handbook,” which is updated almost daily. He even did some promotional activities to increase attention, such as giving away 3M anti-smog masks and holding quizzes about smog knowledge.
“The masks given away were leftover stock from a previous company. I paid for the postage to send them to everyone,” Fang Da said. Managing the WeChat public account takes him two hours a day. Its main content is to help people understand smog and protect themselves. “At first, I was the only one managing it. The content came from both domestic and international sources, especially from some foreign websites. Now, a few former colleagues from my company are also helping with some content maintenance.”
How to exercise during smoggy days?
Fang Da told reporters that he recently spent 8,000 yuan to buy an indoor cycling trainer, which solved his exercise problem. “Although I’ve met my exercise goals, it feels completely different. Cycling indoors while cooped up at home is a whole different experience from cycling outdoors.”
“Another option is 4+2—drive to a place with better air quality and then cycle for exercise. But if it’s widespread smog, even the countryside may have equally bad air quality,” Fang Da said. With these frequently occurring smoggy days, all that’s left to say is “helplessness.”
When AQI exceeds 150
Outdoor cycling becomes harmful to health
“Half a month ago, when PM2.5 levels in Hangzhou hit the roof, everyone on the streets was wearing masks. These past couple of days, the air quality hasn’t been great either, but people seem numb to it,” Fang Da said. “Given the current situation, smog could be a regular occurrence for the next ten years. Everyone should keep an eye on air quality at all times to protect themselves.”
“First, you should pay attention to the daily Air Quality Index (AQI). When the index reaches level 3 or above, that is, over 150, you should stop outdoor exercise, especially cycling. Because when cycling, your heart rate is at least double that at rest, meaning your oxygen intake is also at least double, which leads to inhaling more PM2.5 and the various toxic pollutants attached to it,” Fang Da said. The goal of exercise is to have a healthier body, not to ruin it.
“When the day comes that we no longer need the ‘Smog Survival Handbook,’ that will be my greatest success,” Fang Da said. That would mean every day is good weather for exercise, and there’d be no need to constantly monitor this index or that index.