While in DC this week I came across one of the painted white bikes that mark a location where a cyclist has been struck and killed. It was located in Dupont Circle between chic restaurants and served as a stark reminder of the importance of watching out for and making room for cyclists. These Ghost Bikes memorials (not to be confused with the also-beneficial Portland bike share initiative White Bike or the SF abandoned bike painting effort) can be found in eight countries and 30+ US cities.
They do a better job of explaining their purpose than I’m able to: “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.”
