I now have 2 ghost bikes (memorials to folks who died biking) on my daily commute. They make me take a pause each time and I'd like to develop a ritual for when I encounter them, I'm leaning towards a bell bing, but would like to hear if anyone else has this thought and what they do.
by OvibosHeather
6 Comments
Can’t have them here unfortunately. The city tears them down if they’re put up and won’t approve any if permission is requested. No specific reason, they’re just shitty people.
That’s a very touching idea.
My ritual is just to feel sad and angry about senseless road violence, I guess.
I have one 2 blocks from my house, at an intersection I’ve rode through well over 200 times throughout my life and never have it any thought that it was a “dangerous” intersection, at least on a bike. Someone blew a light and took out a guy on a casual ride in the neighborhood. To do this, you’d have to be absolutely flying as it is a pretty big intersection with easy to see lights. Definitely makes me stop and think when I roll through.
I don’t have those bikes where I live but remember places where people died on my regular routes. I always raise a hand the same as I would greet them if they were alive.
say their name. say it out loud especially if you’re with other people. if you don’t know it, it’s not that hard to find out from your local news or bike advocacy org.
i also do this for roadside memorials for pedestrians.
i know a little about the victims. sometimes I think about how they died. i usually get angry and sad.