For Javi
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. (ghostbikes.org)
In addition to the Ghost Bikes, Memorial Rides are also common.
A special note about Javi's ghost bike...there was one made for him soon after his death, however his dad had given him an old cruiser and wanted it to be the ghost bike used. A group of bike enthusiasts/friends made into the ghost bike that is now at the place he was killed and shown in the photo. It's a beautiful and heart breaking memorial.
ReplyDeleteRachel
Rae - Thanks for your comment and additional information. Sad hardly seems adequate....
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I got hit on my bike years ago. Was riding on the sidewalk for "safety" reasons, rode through an intersection with the green light and got creamed by a woman driving a pickup truck who was turning right on red. Saving grace was that the pedal toward the truck was in the up position. Consequently, the bumper of the truck hit the end of the pedal and propelled the bike and me out into the intersection rather than mashing my leg while bike and I went under the front of the truck. No cuts or broken bones, but four minor bruises. Since the lady was driving a truck, we threw the bike in the back and she took me home. I no longer own or ride a bike, not for fear of accidents, just that walking is better exercise.
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention, the lady took me home because the bike was too damaged to ride.
ReplyDeletePrimo Steve - that's quite the story, and I do not believe that I had heard it before. I have memories clear back to grade school of friends being killed on bicycles - some hit by cars, some while riding on trails. Don't know if you check out the links, but the number of deaths is staggering.
ReplyDeleteMakes my heart heavy.....
ReplyDeleteRachel and Rhonda are on the road to New Mexico to attend the annual memorial ride for Javi. Godspeed.
ReplyDeleteI am from Albuquerque! Where is the Javi Ghost Bike located?
ReplyDeleteMorningsiide 🤍
DeleteAlbuquerque - here is what I have for Javi's bike location:
ReplyDelete902 Morningside Drive NE
Google street view https://www.google.com/maps/place/902+Morningside+Dr+NE,+Albuquerque,+NM+87110/@35.092322,-106.5997638,3a,75y,90h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s9FGMeSG2nbC25dU16QPERQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x87220b3bfdab009f:0xc9f48ab10931823a!8m2!3d35.0920631!4d-106.5994523?hl=en
ReplyDelete