If you've cycled in New York, or any number of other cities, you've probably seen a "ghost bike." It's painted white, and is usually an old, donated or discarded, bike. This somber reminder of a cyclist who's been struck or killed by a motor vehicle is locked to a sign post or other structure by the site of the accident, and is accompanied by a small sign.
When I went to meet Lakythia for a ride yesterday, I saw one I'd seen many times before. Not to make light of it, but I couldn't help but to think, "Where else but in Williamsburg?"
The neighborhood is, after all, the de facto home of the "hipster fixie." As far as I know, this is the only bike of that genre to become a "ghost." It commemorates "Bronx Jon":
To Jon, or your family or friends: I mean no disrespect. I'm glad that you've been so memorialized. I think, though, that your memorial may well be one of a kind.
When I went to meet Lakythia for a ride yesterday, I saw one I'd seen many times before. Not to make light of it, but I couldn't help but to think, "Where else but in Williamsburg?"
The neighborhood is, after all, the de facto home of the "hipster fixie." As far as I know, this is the only bike of that genre to become a "ghost." It commemorates "Bronx Jon":
To Jon, or your family or friends: I mean no disrespect. I'm glad that you've been so memorialized. I think, though, that your memorial may well be one of a kind.
I pray I will not see such a memorial ever. Like Jon's or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about ghost bikes. I understand the sentiment. But it bothers me that random bikes are used. Would the person want to be represented by that particular bike? Perhaps cyclists ought to specify this in a will: "If my community should choose to erect a ghost bike, I would like for it to be a _________..."
ReplyDeleteSteve: I don't blame you.
ReplyDeleteVelouria: I feel the way you do. Your last sentence is something I'd definitely like to see in someone's will. I'd put it in my own, if and when I ever get over my resistance to making one.