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Monday, January 5, 2009
Ghost bikes
On my daily commute to work, I cycle past a ghost bike. Although I see it every day, it has never become part of the static background. I acknowledge its presence with a quick glance and a lowering of my head. Its symbolism and message are clear with every passing. … be careful and be thankful.
The chained steel frame, painted white, but weathered and broken, is not just a memorial to a fallen cyclist, but a reminder of the price some have paid to ride. I don’t think of the bike in terms of fear, but rather as a chance to ride with purpose. The more I ride on busy streets, the more motorists will get used to my presence. And riding in a safe manner is an honor to those who have lost their lives on bikes.
If drivers see cyclists riding responsibly, they will treat us with respect. It would help cut down on accidents. But the ghost bikes around town are a grim reminder that we still have a long way to go.
The bikes themselves are sort of a mystery. It’s not publicly known who puts them up. They began to appear in Austin around 2005. The ghost bikes have been seen all over the country and the world. There is a fantastic article documenting the ghost bike trend in Urban Velo.
But the bottom line is there will always be danger involved with cycling. Even with more bike lanes and more awareness, cyclists should understand the risks involved with flying down the road on two wheels. I believe that having these memorials should help teach us all that life is precious, because any ride on a bike is a good one if you make it home.
