It takes a really, really prolonged inversion later to trigger a spare the air day from just smog. That alone is fairly rare. Bigger culprates are BBQ’s and fireplaces. By far, the #1 trigger is wildfires. That was the first spare the air month I’ve experienced!

Gotta apologize on my previous comment. I think I misread what you said. My reply doesn’t really make sense anymore now that I re-read the context.

Long ago my city made all public transit free on spare the air days. (Days where particulate concentrations were predicted to be high) I do miss those, they were actually kinda fun. I would like them to come back someday.

Its easy to disagree with information that is wrong.

You can listen to sounds at 70 dBA or lower for as long as you want. Sounds at 85 dBA can lead to hearing loss if you listen to them for more than 8 hours at a time. Source

As I mentioned in my previous post about the subject, “Noise pollution” is (according to that article) defined as “unwanted” sounds, not dangerous. The “harmful” part, as it turned out, were simply distractions.

Your article doesn’t define what they consider noise pollution nor any dangers ambient sound may cause. Before you claim any “danger to health”, you need to define what qualifies because we are both using these words very differently.

You know, back before the car, humanity congregated around ports and railroad stations too, right? It’s kinda human nature.

“Discourage from ownership” sort of means stop. It’s hard to drive what I don’t own.

And talking subsidies, my city burns through $150 million annually to build out 400+ miles of bike lanes that 3% of the population use. (Actual stats published by the city)

People like me who had to drive may have open roads again, but understand when you try to pinch casual drivers, you got us too. And a lot of us are hurting really bad. I have friends in flooring, windows, and electrical. 2 have retired, one is accepting they will have to work until they die. It’s harsh on this side, getting worse, and no one is talking about it.

This policy can’t reduce casual vehicle use without harming workers.

Ahhh ok, because you asked so nicely.

Nothing in the article mentions sound levels in the dangerous range.

In fact, it can be sumed up with "This just in, traffic can be heard! More at 11!

Around 100 million people are exposed to road traffic noise above 55 dB

Drumroll Leeeeeeets check the charts!

It basically says traffic can be heard in the distance.

Dude, I already tore a similar article a new one weeks ago.

If it’s anything like the last article, they cherry picked data and exaggerated results…

See if this applies: linky

Ohh … Turtle is done laying eggs and running away! Got to go!

What would be the best ways to discourage people from owning personal cars?

We literally don’t. No-one is out to stop you from driving as a hobby.

Um, yes?

As a former sound engineer, I am well aware of the dangers of volume and exposure limits.

If a liesurly drive way in the mountains gives you hearing damage, your bigger concern is why you’re being dragged behind a car.