Ghost Bike Removed.
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Ghost Bike Removed.
So I learned this morning right before I was going for a ride...
In Richmond VA, the "ghost bike" memorial for Lenie Kruszewski who was killed by a hit and run six years ago had been taken down by a homeowner who recently built a house next to it.
And it looks like that homeowner is one of the bigwig for *edited out*. Now I am not sure of this but the post I’ve seen on facebook tells me so. Granted that only the facebook posting claims that the homeowner is a *edited* exec, I felt that I do need to share this here with you all.
It is very sad to let go one of us in a such way. It angers me to see that the memorial for such person is taken down.
Here are some of the links regarding this.
WTVR - Local News Outlet
https://wtvr.com/2019/01/07/roadside...y-appropriate/
Local News Paper
https://www.richmond.com/news/photos...1531e9c.html#1
the Facebook Post.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...&ref=bookmarks
* If this sad news is already shared, and any mod. or admin wants to move it to sub-forum or remove, do so.
In Richmond VA, the "ghost bike" memorial for Lenie Kruszewski who was killed by a hit and run six years ago had been taken down by a homeowner who recently built a house next to it.
And it looks like that homeowner is one of the bigwig for *edited out*. Now I am not sure of this but the post I’ve seen on facebook tells me so. Granted that only the facebook posting claims that the homeowner is a *edited* exec, I felt that I do need to share this here with you all.
It is very sad to let go one of us in a such way. It angers me to see that the memorial for such person is taken down.
Here are some of the links regarding this.
WTVR - Local News Outlet
https://wtvr.com/2019/01/07/roadside...y-appropriate/
Local News Paper
https://www.richmond.com/news/photos...1531e9c.html#1
the Facebook Post.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...&ref=bookmarks
* If this sad news is already shared, and any mod. or admin wants to move it to sub-forum or remove, do so.
Last edited by flyingPiggy; 01-15-19 at 09:45 PM. Reason: edited out skme personal info.
#2
Clark W. Griswold
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What people should do is lock up a whole bunch of ghost bikes in memorial in that same spot. Just do it!
#3
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Suggest that the OP and/or veganbikes provide their home address so that anguished BFers can chain up junk bikes in front of their homes to commemorate whatever happened sometime, somewhere to somebody. A win-win for everybody.
#4
Interocitor Command
#5
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Thirty year ago you'd never see a 'white bike' or similar memorial at a spot where someone died in an accident of any type. If the white bike is causing a danger to others (pedestrians, other bicycle riders, vehicles), then it should be removed as it could cause problems itself. If its on private property, then the property owner should have given his/her blessing before it was installed. A lot I've seen in Southern California just turn into eyesores as the bicycle deteriorates and becomes a rusty hunk after 6 months.
FWIW: Not sure of this, but it appears whenever someone gets killed in a bicycle accident around my area, and a white bike memorial is set up that doesn't interfere with anything, the City will leave it up for a few months before removing it. There are plenty of flower memorials around town (vehicle accidents), some I know have been in place for over a decade; one on my way to work has been in place over 15 years and, although it has shrunk in size, its being well-maintained.
FWIW: Not sure of this, but it appears whenever someone gets killed in a bicycle accident around my area, and a white bike memorial is set up that doesn't interfere with anything, the City will leave it up for a few months before removing it. There are plenty of flower memorials around town (vehicle accidents), some I know have been in place for over a decade; one on my way to work has been in place over 15 years and, although it has shrunk in size, its being well-maintained.
#6
Senior Member
If she wants to remind drivers to be careful, she should rent billboard space somewhere. Or buy the property herself; not expect some other property owner to host it for free and in perpetuity.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Thirty year ago you'd never see a 'white bike' or similar memorial at a spot where someone died in an accident of any type. If the white bike is causing a danger to others (pedestrians, other bicycle riders, vehicles), then it should be removed as it could cause problems itself. If its on private property, then the property owner should have given his/her blessing before it was installed.
I’d really appreciate it if you actually read the article I have linked.
Thank you.
Many Happy and Safe Miles to You.
#9
What happened?
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Ghost bikes are not permanent monuments, and neither are roadside markers/crosses. They are eventually removed. You cannot leave one en perpetua on private and public properties without the approval of the owner(s). Please do not direct anger toward that person, it's uncivil. As connected as you may feel to the deceased, they are no different than any other person.
We all die. Find a positive outlet to express your grief and memorialize the cyclist.
Please close this thread.
We all die. Find a positive outlet to express your grief and memorialize the cyclist.
Please close this thread.
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I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Ghost bikes are not permanent monuments, and neither are roadside markers/crosses. They are eventually removed. You cannot leave one en perpetua on private and public properties without the approval of the owner(s). Please do not direct anger toward that person, it's uncivil. As connected as you may feel to the deceased, they are no different than any other person.
We all die. Find a positive outlet to express your grief and memorialize the cyclist.
Please close this thread.
We all die. Find a positive outlet to express your grief and memorialize the cyclist.
Please close this thread.
Many Happy and Safe Miles to You.
#11
Senior Member
#12
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I think this ghost bike thing has been a colossal mistake, helping to make bicycling look more dangerous than it is. I can't think of another instance where memorials are commonly another of the type of vehicle the person was using when they were killed.
Frankly, if there was one of these things in front of my home 6 years after the accident and the city was too cowardly to remove it, I am pretty sure I'd cut it down. Life needs to go on on that street, it is not going to forever be known primarily as the place where a bicyclist was killed.
Everyone has, if they've lived long enough, experienced the tragic loss of a loved one. Like it or not, we have no right to a permanent symbol of that grief on public property. And, really, if everyone was entitled to such a permanent monument at the place they were killed, the cities would be choked with them within a few decades.
Frankly, if there was one of these things in front of my home 6 years after the accident and the city was too cowardly to remove it, I am pretty sure I'd cut it down. Life needs to go on on that street, it is not going to forever be known primarily as the place where a bicyclist was killed.
Everyone has, if they've lived long enough, experienced the tragic loss of a loved one. Like it or not, we have no right to a permanent symbol of that grief on public property. And, really, if everyone was entitled to such a permanent monument at the place they were killed, the cities would be choked with them within a few decades.
#13
Cycleway town
It's not a thing here, thankfully.
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Now I regret posting this thread.
I do not think the memorial(ghost bike) has to be there indefinitely. If it was the city or appropriate authority(if it was on private property, that mean that property owner) who had removed it, I'd not have bothered to post or given thought to share it. I do have problem with a person who remove it with no authority without asking.
I posted it here because I saw the sticky. On this sub forum, it says Wall of Remembrance. You will find her name there among many others.
One of the reasons I love cycling is camaraderie. Now I can not say that I am not disappointed. I understand and agree that there can be other forms of remembrance. But Like I said... least you can do is asking before removing it. I do blame my poor english for any miscommunication. For that, I am sorry.
I will not write on this thread anymore.
I do not have problem if a mod. or admin find this thread inappropriate and remove it.
I do hope, wish, and pray that all of you enjoy many happy and safe miles.
I do not think the memorial(ghost bike) has to be there indefinitely. If it was the city or appropriate authority(if it was on private property, that mean that property owner) who had removed it, I'd not have bothered to post or given thought to share it. I do have problem with a person who remove it with no authority without asking.
I posted it here because I saw the sticky. On this sub forum, it says Wall of Remembrance. You will find her name there among many others.
One of the reasons I love cycling is camaraderie. Now I can not say that I am not disappointed. I understand and agree that there can be other forms of remembrance. But Like I said... least you can do is asking before removing it. I do blame my poor english for any miscommunication. For that, I am sorry.
I will not write on this thread anymore.
I do not have problem if a mod. or admin find this thread inappropriate and remove it.
I do hope, wish, and pray that all of you enjoy many happy and safe miles.
Last edited by flyingPiggy; 01-12-19 at 08:04 PM.
#15
Banned.
I have seen a few around Charlotte that have been here more than ten years and appear to still be in great shape. I can’t blame a property owner for removing them.
#16
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I'm not sure I support these ghost bikes. They can cut both ways. There's one not far from my home that has been there for couple of years now. I ride by fairly often. Investigation of the incident determined the cyclist was at fault. It was night, no lights and dark clothing (very common here with many student cyclists) and the cyclist turned suddenly left, to cross a two lane right in front of an oncoming car. Don't know.
#17
Clark W. Griswold
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If you do come by I will offer tea and cookies if I have them or cook y'all something or maybe take you out to lunch or dinner. Maybe we could also go for a ride as well. If we really get along I might even let y'all ride one of mine which is a privilege very few share. Or we could go hiking, it isn't a spectacular trail but is a nice one considering the area or if those aren't your thing we could sit around and play games, invite some folks over and have a party.
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Six years is more than plenty to hold a memorial. Boise had a well publicized hit and run story and the Ghost bike was finally removed after 3 or 4 years without any comments.
#19
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I don't mean any disrespect but roadside memorials can get out of hand. I see many along the streets and highways where a loved one died. Now if I owned property, having a roadside memorial in front of my home would be a issue.
As an alternative, it would be nice if family and friends were allowed to sponsor that stretch of road and keep it clean. Then be allowed to put a sign under the street sign saying its maintained in someone's memory.
Here's a story about the mother of a murdered daughter who was run over by a home owner that objected to a roadside memorial.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/loca...501628131.html
As an alternative, it would be nice if family and friends were allowed to sponsor that stretch of road and keep it clean. Then be allowed to put a sign under the street sign saying its maintained in someone's memory.
Here's a story about the mother of a murdered daughter who was run over by a home owner that objected to a roadside memorial.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/loca...501628131.html
#20
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There's a perception that most pedestrians and cyclists killed by driver negligence are somehow at fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But I know of many in our area who were killed while legally crossing streets, or legally riding their bikes. There are virtually no commensurate consequences for negligent drivers. Thoughts and prayers. Minimal liability insurance payouts.
Disposing of roadside memorials contributes to this victim blaming and nobody's-fault attitude.
Sometimes positive change occurs only through civil disobedience. Sometimes society needs to be inconvenienced to understand that their "convenience" costs other people pain, injuries and death.
If you believe strongly enough in a cause, sometimes civil disobedience is necessary. Sink a concrete filled post hole, weld a bike to a metal post and make sure it reappears every time one is removed.
#21
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Now I regret posting this thread.
I do not think the memorial(ghost bike) has to be there indefinitely. If it was the city or appropriate authority(if it was on private property, that mean that property owner) who had removed it, I'd not have bothered to post or given thought to share it. I do have problem with a person who remove it with no authority without asking.
I posted it here because I saw the sticky. On this sub forum, it says Wall of Remembrance. You will find her name there among many others.
One of the reasons I love cycling is camaraderie. Now I can not say that I am not disappointed. I understand and agree that there can be other forms of remembrance. But Like I said... least you can do is asking before removing it. I do blame my poor english for any miscommunication. For that, I am sorry.
I will not write on this thread anymore.
I do not have problem if a mod. or admin find this thread inappropriate and remove it.
I do hope, wish, and pray that all of you enjoy many happy and safe miles.
I do not think the memorial(ghost bike) has to be there indefinitely. If it was the city or appropriate authority(if it was on private property, that mean that property owner) who had removed it, I'd not have bothered to post or given thought to share it. I do have problem with a person who remove it with no authority without asking.
I posted it here because I saw the sticky. On this sub forum, it says Wall of Remembrance. You will find her name there among many others.
One of the reasons I love cycling is camaraderie. Now I can not say that I am not disappointed. I understand and agree that there can be other forms of remembrance. But Like I said... least you can do is asking before removing it. I do blame my poor english for any miscommunication. For that, I am sorry.
I will not write on this thread anymore.
I do not have problem if a mod. or admin find this thread inappropriate and remove it.
I do hope, wish, and pray that all of you enjoy many happy and safe miles.
You have simply come across the crankier BF sub-forum,
Welcome!
#22
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That's a good thing. Drivers need to be reminded of the death toll they're exacting from society, particularly the numbers of pedestrians killed by careless, indifferent and reckless drivers.
There's a perception that most pedestrians and cyclists killed by driver negligence are somehow at fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But I know of many in our area who were killed while legally crossing streets, or legally riding their bikes. There are virtually no commensurate consequences for negligent drivers. Thoughts and prayers. Minimal liability insurance payouts.
Disposing of roadside memorials contributes to this victim blaming and nobody's-fault attitude.
Sometimes positive change occurs only through civil disobedience. Sometimes society needs to be inconvenienced to understand that their "convenience" costs other people pain, injuries and death.
If you believe strongly enough in a cause, sometimes civil disobedience is necessary. Sink a concrete filled post hole, weld a bike to a metal post and make sure it reappears every time one is removed.
There's a perception that most pedestrians and cyclists killed by driver negligence are somehow at fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But I know of many in our area who were killed while legally crossing streets, or legally riding their bikes. There are virtually no commensurate consequences for negligent drivers. Thoughts and prayers. Minimal liability insurance payouts.
Disposing of roadside memorials contributes to this victim blaming and nobody's-fault attitude.
Sometimes positive change occurs only through civil disobedience. Sometimes society needs to be inconvenienced to understand that their "convenience" costs other people pain, injuries and death.
If you believe strongly enough in a cause, sometimes civil disobedience is necessary. Sink a concrete filled post hole, weld a bike to a metal post and make sure it reappears every time one is removed.
It's lousy messaging, conveys no information about what actually happened and when, imposes itself on people who likely have nothing to do with the event, and frankly is just giving some people more reasons to hate bikes.
#23
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I can't stand those ghost bikes and other memorials, they're ridiculous. I feel honestly bad for the people that died, but having these goofy home-made memorials is not the answer, imo. As I always tell my wife, if I get killed while out riding, do NOT put up a ghost bike up in my name.
An interesting story about these memorials: A few years ago we were driving down a highway, and in the middle was a small island of grass. And there, with cars passing on both sides at freeway speeds, was a woman installing a home-made memorial. Next to her was her 1 or 2 y/o little girl walking around on the grass with cars flying by within inches of her, while the (oblivious) mom carefully set up the flowers and cards. There could easily have been the need for a 2nd memorial that day..
An interesting story about these memorials: A few years ago we were driving down a highway, and in the middle was a small island of grass. And there, with cars passing on both sides at freeway speeds, was a woman installing a home-made memorial. Next to her was her 1 or 2 y/o little girl walking around on the grass with cars flying by within inches of her, while the (oblivious) mom carefully set up the flowers and cards. There could easily have been the need for a 2nd memorial that day..
#24
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I don't mean any disrespect but roadside memorials can get out of hand. I see many along the streets and highways where a loved one died. Now if I owned property, having a roadside memorial in front of my home would be a issue.
As an alternative, it would be nice if family and friends were allowed to sponsor that stretch of road and keep it clean. Then be allowed to put a sign under the street sign saying its maintained in someone's memory.
Here's a story about the mother of a murdered daughter who was run over by a home owner that objected to a roadside memorial.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/loca...501628131.html
As an alternative, it would be nice if family and friends were allowed to sponsor that stretch of road and keep it clean. Then be allowed to put a sign under the street sign saying its maintained in someone's memory.
Here's a story about the mother of a murdered daughter who was run over by a home owner that objected to a roadside memorial.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/loca...501628131.html
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nine mile skid on a ten mile ride