Cycling UK Forum

Just found this, project mainly in the US at the moment.

"A Ghostbike is a junker bike that has been painted stark white and afixed to the site where a cyclist has been hit or killed by a car driver. Ghostbikes are intended to be memorials for the fallen and reminders to everyone to SHARE THE ROAD with one another. Ride safe and give cyclists a break. Reckless riding and driving kills."

http://www.ghostbike.org/

Do we think it would work/ catch on in the UK?

I've no doubt the 'authorities' would remove them,though it would be worth a try IMO.
I'd like to think it would make a difference,though I think stronger law enforcement would be better.

The "silhouettes" painted on the road are more effective.

Perhaps if the bike was chained to the driver that caused the cyclists death so that they had to take it with them wherever they went. Having to answer everyone that asked might be a suitably fitting punishment.

Ghost bikes are already here in the UK.

One was erected in Brighton after the death of a cyclist.

My own view is that any roadside memorials should be left to families, as oppossed to well-meaning, but entirely mislead 'campaigners.'

For example, were one of us unfortunate enough to have a loved one killed while cycling on the raod, would we really welcome someone else coming along and erecting a white bicycle in their memory?

Paul

Paul Power wrote:For example, were one of us unfortunate enough to have a loved one killed while cycling on the raod, would we really welcome someone else coming along and erecting a white bicycle in their memory?

Paul

I personally would not have a problem with that.

I think they would be removed here in Britain for being a distraction or flouting some planning regulation. There are dozens of floral memorials but it doesn't stop people driving like lunatics. In some countries they even have photos of loved ones.

Paul Power wrote:
For example, were one of us unfortunate enough to have a loved one killed while cycling on the raod, would we really welcome someone else coming along and erecting a white bicycle in their memory?

I think it'd be nice if someone took the time to do that where my Dad was knocked off. In fact, if I knew where it was, I'd probably do it myself!

There is an argument that not clearing accidents is an effective deterrent. couple of mashed up cars are a reminder of mortality!

Gisen wrote:

Paul Power wrote:For example, were one of us unfortunate enough to have a loved one killed while cycling on the raod, would we really welcome someone else coming along and erecting a white bicycle in their memory?

Paul

I personally would not have a problem with that.

+1

the authorities always claim that such displays are a hazard because road users might be distracted. So I say, what about bill boards, bright security lights and neon advertising lights etc. oh and butt ugly buildings.

fullupandslowingdown wrote:the authorities always claim that such displays are a hazard because road users might be distracted. So I say, what about bill boards, bright security lights and neon advertising lights etc. oh and butt ugly buildings.

I used to have a colleague who cycled in a very short skirt as (for some reason) more drivers seemed to see her, give more room and seem to overtake less...... she swears that her legs are a better safety aid than Hi-Viz!

Cunobelin wrote:There is an argument that not clearing accidents is an effective deterrent. couple of mashed up cars are a reminder of mortality!

Were that true, why then do the police continually have to deal with secondary traffic accidents as the 'rubber neckers' slow down to catch the lastest glimpese of blood and gore and by doing so end up causing further carnage themselves?

Paul