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.

Comments (6)

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ChipSeal said:

One of the downsides for cycling advocates is that ghost bikes reinforce the idea that cycling is inherently dangerous. That is a message sure to entice motorists from their cages! Helmet promotion is also a counter productive message for the same reason. I suppose it is the difference between being pro-cycling or anti-car. Pro-cycling is advocating an alternative for the fun and liberty of it. Anti-car wants cars to be seen as a menace to all. They wish to wrest public space from auto use, and promoting the perception danger for cyclists helps them to the goal of separate facilities for cyclist. (Less space for cars) There is some controversy as to whether bike facilities actually make public spaces safer for cyclists. This is a concern for the pro-cycling crowd. The anti-car folks could care less. I am not convinced that cycling memorials are helpful in promoting cycling interests.

March 10, 2008

Peter said:

with the previous commenter. the idea behind ghost bikes is legit, of course, but what is the actual effect? for now, i figure 'continue' - but i think it's worth another look.

March 10, 2008

Nick said:

If I get hit by some soccer mom driving an SUV while trying to sip her latte and send a text message, please put one of these up for me.

March 10, 2008

Linda said:

If you go down to the second link on the left on the following website (Memorial Lifehouse) it will take you to a memorial built for a bicyclist in Portland, OR in 2002. Links to more photos at the bottom. http://barnit.com/nbcprogress

March 10, 2008

Lloyd Alter said:

A buddy of mine was killed and we not only planted a ghost bike but had a procession and a memorial. It was very much like a funeral with the same rationale: a way for the living to deal with grief and anger. Chipseal can say "I am not convinced that cycling memorials are helpful in promoting cycling interests." but it was very helpful to me in dealing with my anger at a system that promotes the use of cars and lets them travel at high speed on shared roads, or lets big dump trucks travel in crowded cities without sideguards. Cycling is inherently dangerous and will continue to be until cities take appropriate measures to make it safer with more bike lanes, traffic control driver education. To think that we will entice drivers to join us by taking off our helmets and ignoring the carnage is just stupid. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/taking_back_the_5.php

March 10, 2008 | url

ChipSeal said:

Mr Alter, I am so sorry for your loss. I think that ghost bikes are poignant and moving memorials. I only object to the permanent display of them, for the reasons stated.

March 12, 2008

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