Ghost Bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel.
The first ghost bikes were created in St. Louis, Missouri in 2003, and they have since appeared in over 150 locations throughout the world. For those who create and install the memorials, the death of a fellow bicyclist hits home. We all travel the same unsafe streets and face the same risks; it could just as easily be any one of us. Each time we say we hope to never have to do it again -- but we remain committed to making these memorials as long as they are needed.
This particular bike is located on the Pfluger Bridge here in Austin. This one states:
GHOST BIKES
PLEASE LET THIS SERVE AS A MEMORIAL FOR
ROYCE SCOTT McCOY
6-28-1973 --- 10-12-2003
THIS BIKE HAS BEEN PLACED HERE TO REMIND EVERYONE TO SHARE THE ROAD!! IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR PEOPLE WHO RIDE BIKES FOR TRANSPORTATION TO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO SIDEWALKS OR BIKE LANES. THIS BIKE WAS INSPIRED BY GHOSTBIKES.ORG
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| From Arguendo & Dixi's Daily Austin Photo |
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I've seen some of these in the UK - terribly sad, but good reminders.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of or seen a ghost bike before, very visual and somber reminder of how fragile it all is.
ReplyDeleteI've lived here in Austin for over 20 years now and it was the first one I'd ever come across myself.
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