Ghost Bike

I saw this on my ride last weekend.

I passed it at first, but quickly doubled back to take a closer look. It’s a memorial to David Ryan, a local cyclist who was killed while riding a few miles from my home. I remember hearing about it when it happened, but to see this while you’re cycling really, well…you can imagine what a powerful reminder that is. I assumed this was a unique gesture from a friend or family member. I was wrong.

Turns out, this is called a “ghost bike.”

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.”

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of ghost bikes around the world. And three others in my hometown.

Visit the ghostbike web site to learn more. Click here.

And, please, drive safe. Thanks.