To some hostile drivers, cyclists and other pedestrians look like moving targets. In light of the recent rash of cyclist deaths, and the community’s often callous response to the fallen, we’re glad to see that Ghostbike is paying tribute to those cyclists who have died in collisions with cars and trucks.
Ghostbike erects eerie memorials in the spots where cars have killed cyclists. The movement spans the nation, from New York to Portland, and Pittsburgh to Reno.
Here’s a description of Ghostbike from the official web site:
A Ghostbike is a junker bike that has been painted stark white and afixed to the site where a cyclist has been hit or killed by a car driver. Ghostbikes are intended to be memorials for the fallen and reminders to everyone to SHARE THE ROAD with one another. Ride safe and give cyclists a break. Reckless riding and driving kills.
The memorials serve as haunting reminders of our mortality, and of the almighty power of motor vehicles. Cars, which each weigh an average of 1.5 to 2 tons, will always overpower a buck-fifty human body.
According to the NYT:
According to the Department of Transportation, 109 bicyclists were killed on city streets from 2000 through 2005, and 11 more have died this year [in New York, alone].
Ghostbikes are not only compelling reminders of tragic car culture casualties; they are wake-up calls to drivers to become more aware of cyclists and other pedestrians, and to “share the road.” Cars, it seems, have become bigger than life. On most roads, they reign supreme. Ghostbikes, I hope, will help put the brakes on this ignorant mentality.
Related posts: