"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. Currently there are over 630 ghost bikes that have since appeared in over 210 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." What was so surprising yesterday after I saw this memorial was how fast traffic was moving on Fifth Avenue. I mean, buses, cars, trucks, taxis. And mixed in with all that are motor scooters and bicycles. The speed of the traffic was almost shocking. No wonder someone was killed here. Such a sobering thought. I certainly wouldn't ride a bike in the city. It is just way too dangerous.
1 comment:
This is a sobering photo. With so many people on bikes such as messengers and delivery people, they certainly are taking their chance on busy city streets. Glad you get to ride on quieter streets. betsey
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