Comments on: Unsustainable Sprawl Hit Hardest by Sub-Prime Foreclosures

By: ChipSeal

ChipSeal — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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.

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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.

By: Nick

Nick — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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.

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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

By: Lloyd Alter

Lloyd Alter — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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]“I am not convinced that cycling memorials are helpful in promoting cycling interests.[/i]” 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

By: ChipSeal

ChipSeal — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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.