'Ghost bike thefts are on the rise'
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
'Ghost bike thefts are on the rise'
https://www.abqjournal.com/1248175/g...-the-rise.html
No RIP for bicyclists. I don't like them but I respect others.
No RIP for bicyclists. I don't like them but I respect others.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,550
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times
in
145 Posts
The dregs of humanity have no boundaries.
#3
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Wow, that is sad. There are a few ghost bikes in my community that I ride past frequently. Even if you were able to get them detached from the signpost or guardrail they're attached to...you couldn't ride them. No chain, tires, brakes, etc. But... I've thought for a while that here on the BF, there ought to be a tribute forum/thread for posting pictures of ghost bikes.
Dan
Dan
#4
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
I feel bad for anyone mourning the loss of someone killed while biking, but this is a social practice I'd really like to see go away. Are people really expecting these to be eternal monuments? At some point, they need to get picked up.
People get killed on public streets and sidewalks all the time from all sorts of different causes. If only bicycle deaths leave this permanent reminder, people will get the impression that bikes are especially dangerous.
This isn't done for dead pedestrians, crime victims, people who just succumb to heart attacks on the street, or drivers. Why are bicyclists different? If you leave a permanent monument to everyone who dies in a city, soon there would be no room for living in that city.
People get killed on public streets and sidewalks all the time from all sorts of different causes. If only bicycle deaths leave this permanent reminder, people will get the impression that bikes are especially dangerous.
This isn't done for dead pedestrians, crime victims, people who just succumb to heart attacks on the street, or drivers. Why are bicyclists different? If you leave a permanent monument to everyone who dies in a city, soon there would be no room for living in that city.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18378 Post(s)
Liked 4,512 Times
in
3,354 Posts
I have to agree with @livedarklions. Maybe give the bikes 6 months or a year, then it is time to move on.
Add 800 ghost bikes a year across the USA. 8000 a decade... 80,000 a century... it could be a pretty ghostly country.
Would any commercial cemeteries accept ghost bikes in perpetuity?
Add 800 ghost bikes a year across the USA. 8000 a decade... 80,000 a century... it could be a pretty ghostly country.
Would any commercial cemeteries accept ghost bikes in perpetuity?
#6
I am potato.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,116
Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1789 Post(s)
Liked 1,629 Times
in
933 Posts
One thing I always thought was lame is most motorists, either a: Don't know what a ghost bike is or b: If they did know, they just don't care...Assuming they even took notice at all. There is just no relate for them.
I appreciate the ghost bike sentiment, but I think there are more effective ways to go about a public awareness campaign.
There is a "Do not drink & drive" road sign that I pass regularly. In smaller letters it says, "In memory of (some name) 'Pef' Pefley." I don't drink & drive, not because of "Pef", I don't drink & drive because of the $10,000 it would cost and the PIA of blowing in a straw to ask my car for permission to go to work. Sorry "Pef," You died in vain & nobody cares...It's the same with ghost bikes.
You want someone to care about cyclists? You hit their wallets.
I appreciate the ghost bike sentiment, but I think there are more effective ways to go about a public awareness campaign.
There is a "Do not drink & drive" road sign that I pass regularly. In smaller letters it says, "In memory of (some name) 'Pef' Pefley." I don't drink & drive, not because of "Pef", I don't drink & drive because of the $10,000 it would cost and the PIA of blowing in a straw to ask my car for permission to go to work. Sorry "Pef," You died in vain & nobody cares...It's the same with ghost bikes.
You want someone to care about cyclists? You hit their wallets.
Last edited by base2; 11-19-18 at 03:36 PM.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
In New Mexico and a lot of Hispanic America there are descansos, memorials to people killed in vehicle and other accidents.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 2,159
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 913 Post(s)
Liked 515 Times
in
344 Posts
Wow, that is sad. There are a few ghost bikes in my community that I ride past frequently. Even if you were able to get them detached from the signpost or guardrail they're attached to...you couldn't ride them. No chain, tires, brakes, etc. But... I've thought for a while that here on the BF, there ought to be a tribute forum/thread for posting pictures of ghost bikes.
Dan
Dan
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18378 Post(s)
Liked 4,512 Times
in
3,354 Posts
The Wacky World of Craigslist and eBay Ads
White Ghost Bikes, Many to Choose From (Price Each)
Ok, most of the original ad/photos apparently have been lost
The story was that the local church was doing some kind of exhibit with a dozen white bikes, and one red one, then later re-selling the bikes after the exhibit closed down.
White Ghost Bikes, Many to Choose From (Price Each)
Ok, most of the original ad/photos apparently have been lost
The story was that the local church was doing some kind of exhibit with a dozen white bikes, and one red one, then later re-selling the bikes after the exhibit closed down.
#10
Senior Member
While I empathize with people who put up the ghost bikes, what they are is a private memorial that someone erected on public property. Authorities are torn between leaving something that doesn't belong, or offending someone by removing it. Maybe they should require a permit, which is good for a specific time frame?
Like any other bike that's left out, it is/will be vulnerable to thieves. It's a bike, not a gravestone.
Like any other bike that's left out, it is/will be vulnerable to thieves. It's a bike, not a gravestone.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,207
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3640 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
51 Posts
Article is behind a paywall so I didn't read it, but the other side of the coin these are often put up, many times by someone in no way connected to the person who died, and then just left. There is one I know of that has been there well over a year now, that highway crews seemingly just mow around. Grass is generally tall under it, the paint is getting worn, it is obvious that no one is taking care of it. With all due respect, it is more of an eyesore than a memorial. It doesn't surprise me that at some point, it will be removed, especially the ones that get tossed up on private property.
#12
Senior Member
While I empathize with people who put up the ghost bikes, what they are is a private memorial that someone erected on public property. Authorities are torn between leaving something that doesn't belong, or offending someone by removing it. Maybe they should require a permit, which is good for a specific time frame?
Descansos are protected by law throughout New Mexico and can not be removed for other than safety reasons. There is no conflict, descansos can’t be touched.
Ghost bikes are are explicitly called out as descansos by the City of Albuquerque.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,811
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,020 Times
in
572 Posts
It's common in these parts to have markers commemorating motorist deaths. They've standardized them when alongside a State road on public land, but they can take any form if on private property.
#15
☢
#16
I am potato.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,116
Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1789 Post(s)
Liked 1,629 Times
in
933 Posts
The Wacky World of Craigslist and eBay Ads
White Ghost Bikes, Many to Choose From (Price Each)
Ok, most of the original ad/photos apparently have been lost
The story was that the local church was doing some kind of exhibit with a dozen white bikes, and one red one, then later re-selling the bikes after the exhibit closed down.
White Ghost Bikes, Many to Choose From (Price Each)
Ok, most of the original ad/photos apparently have been lost
The story was that the local church was doing some kind of exhibit with a dozen white bikes, and one red one, then later re-selling the bikes after the exhibit closed down.
By way of random chance, on a bike ride a few months ago, I happened to see a large pile of them in his front yard near the street...I guess they haven't sold and are free for the taking. He lives just off of 15th & Perkins a half a block from the Synagogue...not that anyone else here is familiar with the area.
I'm still undecided if I need a project frame or not.
#17
Heft On Wheels
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 3,123
Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 560 Times
in
346 Posts
We too have a program like this here in SD. its called X marks the spot. Familys can allow a sign to be placed where a loved one perished. We don't have too many memorials roadside here. Rarely do we see a ghost bike, if we do its for around 30 days and removed.
I get people mourn in different ways so not going to criticize anyone for anything......I do like the national ride of silence, I usually ride that and its a good ride to get the message out.
I get people mourn in different ways so not going to criticize anyone for anything......I do like the national ride of silence, I usually ride that and its a good ride to get the message out.
#18
Callipygian Connoisseur
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,373
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 564 Post(s)
Liked 350 Times
in
190 Posts
No disrespect intended to anyone suffering the loss of a loved one, but the idea of placing monuments in public spaces is simply unsustainable. I know the sentiment is heartfelt, but to strangers the ghost bike is nothing more than repurposed trash. I suspect the increase in “theft” of ghost bikes in Albuquerque is probably the actions of a community fed up with the practice.
-Kedosto
-Kedosto
#19
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
Most ghost bikes in New Mexico are on private property or have permission from the relevant authority.
Descansos are protected by law throughout New Mexico and can not be removed for other than safety reasons. There is no conflict, descansos can’t be touched.
Ghost bikes are are explicitly called out as descansos by the City of Albuquerque.
I think the city will come to regret that. First of all, the first ghost bikes didn't appear anywhere until 2003, so it's not like the bike aspect of this is some sort of old religious tradition. Secondly the Duke City Wheelmen are engaged in a project to install ghost bikes, some of them commemorating long-dead people. The article linked says they have installed 35 of these, and says they're about to install one for a child who was killed in 1994. If they're going to go far back in history to find bike accidents, they could really clutter up the city with these things.
This isn't primarily about grieving families and other loved ones, this is about an advocacy organization making some kind of public relations statement, and it's one I really think will make people think bicycling is wayyy more dangerous than it really is.
#20
Cycleway town
It's not a thing here, but we do get shrines by the side of the road - flowers for someone run over or in a car crash.
Like, not for me, please. I'm not there. My memory is better forgotten than propped up by a bunch of dead flowers on a T-junction where I had my worst moment.
Like, not for me, please. I'm not there. My memory is better forgotten than propped up by a bunch of dead flowers on a T-junction where I had my worst moment.
#21
☢
No disrespect intended to anyone suffering the loss of a loved one, but the idea of placing monuments in public spaces is simply unsustainable. I know the sentiment is heartfelt, but to strangers the ghost bike is nothing more than repurposed trash. I suspect the increase in “theft” of ghost bikes in Albuquerque is probably the actions of a community fed up with the practice.
-Kedosto
-Kedosto
#22
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4560 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
I feel bad for anyone mourning the loss of someone killed while biking, but this is a social practice I'd really like to see go away. Are people really expecting these to be eternal monuments? At some point, they need to get picked up.
People get killed on public streets and sidewalks all the time from all sorts of different causes. If only bicycle deaths leave this permanent reminder, people will get the impression that bikes are especially dangerous.
People get killed on public streets and sidewalks all the time from all sorts of different causes. If only bicycle deaths leave this permanent reminder, people will get the impression that bikes are especially dangerous.
This isn't done for dead pedestrians, crime victims, people who just succumb to heart attacks on the street, or drivers. Why are bicyclists different? If you leave a permanent monument to everyone who dies in a city, soon there would be no room for living in that city.
In my neighborhood a roadside memorial has been maintained carefully for five years. The hit and run driver was never caught. It's a six lane divided boulevard that used to serve as a highway, but has long since served far less traffic as the nearby interstate system has taken over most traffic. In other words, there was no reason for the vehicle to strike the pedestrian. Plenty of lighting and clear visibility. No traffic. No extenuating circumstances. But I've seen how people drive here. I've seen drivers swerve across three lanes to deliberately brush-by cyclists and pedestrians. It's the unfortunate nature of the area, due to the declining economy, loss of jobs and influx of transient renters who have no stake in any sense of community and regard others as enemies and potential victims rather than neighbors. Where life is cheap and the law provides no deterrents or consequences, some people will use vehicles as weapons. And they often get away with murder.
Until the laws change and the entire US paradigm changes to prioritize life and safety over convenience, those memorials serve as a necessary discomforting reminder of our misplaced priorities.
Last edited by canklecat; 11-23-18 at 08:19 PM.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,619
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1069 Post(s)
Liked 788 Times
in
505 Posts
Other than a 24/7/365 + 1 for leap year in your face type of campaign, I don't believe public awareness/compassion will improve. Hasn't worked for Don't Drink and Drive why should the lowly bicycle rider command any equal or great concern.
A memorial tribute for a great man-friend-rider, Pete Cornell Memorial Bicycle Tender, Port Charlotte, Florida, USA - Bicycle Tenders on Waymarking.com was placed at the beginning of local trailhead where we gather to start rides.
On July 26th, the anniversary of his being hit and killed, I bicycle 100 miles. This year I placed a gel in the "hands" and it remained there for 2 weeks.
#25
I am potato.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,116
Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1789 Post(s)
Liked 1,629 Times
in
933 Posts
Other than a 24/7/365 + 1 for leap year in your face type of campaign, I don't believe public awareness/compassion will improve. Hasn't worked for Don't Drink and Drive why should the lowly bicycle rider command any equal or great concern.
A memorial tribute for a great man-friend-rider, Pete Cornell Memorial Bicycle Tender, Port Charlotte, Florida, USA - Bicycle Tenders on Waymarking.com was placed at the beginning of local trailhead where we gather to start rides.
On July 26th, the anniversary of his being hit and killed, I bicycle 100 miles. This year I placed a gel in the "hands" and it remained there for 2 weeks.
A memorial tribute for a great man-friend-rider, Pete Cornell Memorial Bicycle Tender, Port Charlotte, Florida, USA - Bicycle Tenders on Waymarking.com was placed at the beginning of local trailhead where we gather to start rides.
On July 26th, the anniversary of his being hit and killed, I bicycle 100 miles. This year I placed a gel in the "hands" and it remained there for 2 weeks.
The reason an automobile requires a license is because of the cost & risk involved of not respecting someone elses rights. If a driver hits a cyclist, pedestrian, whoever, that person no longer has life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness...they're injured or dead. So in response, a certain minimum proficiency must be demonstrated to ensure the risk to others is minimized. A penalty of equal measure to the consequences should be applied.
That penalty forces accountability, due care & caution. The vast majority of people who get DUI/DWI/Drink driving, only get 1 before they shape up. The penalty is effective, the road sign by my house, inconclusive.