Ghost Bike

Posted 12/06/10 by Peggy Garrett

Dear Aleen, I am so glad I checked back to see if you saw my posting to you. Great. You know how sorry I am for your loss also. We seem to be in the same boat as the laws all over PA are inadequate. On that note, please feel free to give my email address to your group in the Pittsburg area so that if I can be of any help to them I am more than willing to be. I have been trying to get started on getting better laws passed and just have not known where to start. This is great. Maybe the group in Pittsburg can figure a way to include all of PA or to let me know how to get started in the Philaldelphia area. The lady who killed my son may get a careless driving ticket. It comes with a $500 fine. That is all a life is worth in Delaware County. Here is my email address. Please pass this on to the group in your area and feel free to email me yourself if you feel like it. chicksrule1950@aol.com

Posted 12/03/10 by Aleen Croyle

Peggy I am so sorry for your loss, I don't have to tell you the pain that the loss of a child, no matter the age, can bring. I too live in Pennsylvania, Don was killed in Allegheny County and as you stated the punishment "Careless Driving", What a charge when you are responsible for taking a life. Recently, December 1st, in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette was an article on Ghost Bikes you might like to read by going on to the internet and bring it up. The Ghost Bike place where my son was killed was taken down by Penn Dot because there was a complaint about it being a distraction to drivers. We feel it was because the kid who killed Don family didn't want their son to be reminded of what he did as he went to school and traveled that road on a regular basis We have a group in Pittsburgh that are trying to better the laws for bicylist, I'm going to forward them your posting so they can have it for their records of another life taken wrongfully in Pennsylvania with little to no punishment.

Posted 11/27/10 by Peggy Garrett

To Aleen: My son died In PA the same way as yours. Just a carelees driver who could not bother to pay attention to the road. He also was doing everything right. He had a helmet, and was where he belonged. He died 7/15/10 at 38 years old. Also no charges were pressed against the woman who hit my son. She may get a careless driving ticket which comes with a $500 fine. That is all a human life is worth in Delaware County PA. Besides more awareness by drivers, we need better laws. The only way people may pay better attention is if there are consequences to their carelessness. How can you kill someone and it not be a crime? This is unexcuseable. I feel for you and your family. We too are devastated. No one knows how it is to go on living while your child is dead. And to not get justtice on top of that is unspeakable. I don't know where your son lived, but apparently this is happening all over the country. Why can't we protect our citizens better? Why don't we prosecute these individuals. Where I live In LA , there is a $3000 fine for littering. And yet no one seems to care in PA and other parts of this country when a person is run down by a car. It just is not right. What people don't realize is that this has become an epidemic. No one is watching the road anymore. And they just don't care. But it could be anyone of you who looses a son or daughter at any time. Then you will know. It could just as easily be you. I didn't think it would ever be me.

Posted 11/21/10 by Aleen Croyle

For those of you who do not like the ghost bike and say bicyclist should ride bike trails have your heads in the sand. Bicylist have as much right on the road as a motor vechile. There are laws that say this if you care enought to look them up. It's the rude drivers of the motor vechiles that cause the problems thinking the roads belong to only them. Excessive speed and in a hurry to get to where you want to be have killed many bicyclist as well as foot travelers. My son six months ago was killed by a seventeen year old driver on his way to school who bent over to fix his flip flop that got caught in the pedal of the vehicle he was driving. He swerved and killed Don Parker who was doing all the right things proper lights on the bike,helmet, proper dress and on the edge of the lane. Now there is a wife without a husband,three children with out a father,a brother/three sisters without their sibling and parents without their son. What did the driver get as punishment nothing. They called it careless driving for killing another human being.

Posted 11/15/10 by sunni01

R U Kidding?? As someone who was almost killed on a bike I can tell you for sure that I would not want a ghost bike to be placed at the scene if I was to die there. The only reason why this video caught my eye is because my white specialized bike disappeared recently. Has anyone seen it?? It rode like a dream. My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones in bike accidents.....and to those who have lost loved bikes to who knows who or what.

Posted 11/14/10 by Amanda

There's one on a back road near my neighborhood. Every time I pass it, it scares the crap out of me, especially at night. The cyclists in my area really shouldn't be biking there. There are bike trails all across the city, yet they still use the regular roads. Sometimes you'll have three in a row,taking up both lanes, so you can't get by them, and just have to slowly drive behind them. I find that to be really inconsiderate and dangerous. And none of them follow the regular rules of the road, even though a law states that they must. They don't stop at stop signs, don't show where they're turning using hand signals, etc. It's extremely frustrating for the rest of us. I feel bad that a couple people have died in my area, but there are certain measures that these bikers could take to prevent this. If we must "share the road" with them, as some street signs state, they need to realize that they aren't the only ones on it! And this only applies to those who bike in my area. I know people who'll drive 20 minutes or more to park at the elementary school across the street from me and bike, even though there are biking trails at a less or equal distance from them.

Posted 11/14/10 by Denise Beaumont

I think they are beautiful and in my neighborhood (not far from the UN) I always saw from the bus or from my walking a white bike beautifully decorated with flowers from the parents of young female . I was sad -as if her memory vanished- when I saw the bike had been taken away. Alas, it had only been moved a few feet away against a building . Relieved, I am told that for a while- at least in the beginning- the doormen in the neighborhood had kept a bit of an eye on it... a fixture ...forever in her memory. -D

Posted 11/14/10 by Will

I am all for respecting ppl who die, we all do (die). To just say cyclists should be the only ones with on site memorials, I think is in a lot of ways wrong because, among other things, it is unfair to those who have died in other ways. I mean where do you draw the line? How about a hospital? If a memorial was erected for everyone who died there, one could probably not fit in a room in the entire place. What about soldiers who died in the civil war? Or the Iraq war? To follow this logic, ea one should have a separate memorial wherever they breathed their last. Since that is impossible, why do only bicyclists get to own street corners? If it happened to me, I would not want this done. I mean it's sweet, but really not practical. And when if ever would the bikes be taken away? No, I think cemetaries are where loved ones should be put to rest and honored. Or scatter ashes. But to take a space forever from where someone died? Over time, this adds up and becomes less practical and less fair to the living. Nor is this fair or considerate for others who die in other ways, like a car. Or say someone was shot in a grocery store or bank. Wouldn't it only be fair to put up a memeorial for them in that place of business?

Posted 11/14/10 by Rob

The death of anyone as a result of an accident is sad and something that we should all take notice of and learn from. One of the largest problems with bicycle accidents is that bicyclists don't take responsibility for their actions and think that it should be completely up to motorists to watch out for them and, more often than not, bicyclist's ignore the rules of the road and act irresponsibly. Bicyclisit's should take more responsibility for their acctions and, quite frankly, should have to carry insurance and pay licensing fees. A very good example of irresponsible bicyclists is Critical Mass - more appropriately names CRITICAL ASS. Participants in this event should be cited and their bicycles destroyed for their participation in this event, because all it does is justify the bad feelings most people have about IRRESPONSIBLE BICYCLISTS and create huges safety problems. It really is time to hold bicyclists more accountable.

Posted 11/14/10 by Carol

I have never seen a ghost bike so I was really wondering what this article was about. Now that I know what a ghost bike is for if I ever see one I will do the same as I try to do when I see a cross by the road and say a quick, brief prayer for that persons family. I live in an area where bike riders do not have all that many bike paths to ride on so they have to be on the road. I do think that the narrow edge of the road where many of them are expected to ride (to the right of the white line and just before the edge of the pavement) is really to narrow for them and is often filled with junk so it is probably more dangerous in some ways then riding out in the road. I always try to give bike riders lots of room; I would feel horrible if I hit one. I thought I hit a kid one day as he and his bike fell as I was just starting to pass them. I was horrified and of course stopped immediately to check on the kid. He told me that I had not hit him but he had hit a rock and went down. I was quite relieved but my heart was still racing for awhile. A memorial like this is a good idea just as the white crosses are for motorists who are killed. The white crosses already remind me to slow down and be more vigilant so I'm sure a white bike would do the same for me.

Posted 11/14/10 by Rev. Kittie

I think bycicle safety is a great message. I just don't know if this is the right way to send that message. In my city Bicycleist have the same laws and right's to the road as motoroist. That means they use the street, have to use their signals, and follow all other traffic laws. I noticed somone put something on about blinkers and tailights. here in my city they use hand signals for that and it is the responsibility of motorist and cyclist alike to know those signals. I think a National movement to teach motorist as well as cyclist their responsibilities to each other and their safety on the road is the best way to go. I never understood those roadside memorials either, We have cemeteries and for those who cremate, there ar eother options. Please do not misunderstand, I feel the loss of a loved one is a very intimate, personal thing. I just don't understand. May we all remember that there are those who have suffered from tragic loss, who deserve our respect and support. May we be with those who need us in their time of need. Blessed Be

Posted 11/14/10 by IROC-Z

The girl in the film said that if they put they bikes over the city and towns that they would be able to keep track of the number of deaths. Well I'm from Boston if they put sneakers for everyone that died the city would be filled with shoes.....my point stop the violence first......www.myspace.com/MassMusicRecords

Posted 11/14/10 by Deb

I too have seen several of these bikes in NYC. Very moving in a strking way!

Posted 11/14/10 by Pam

I have noticed a white bicycle chained to a pole on Holland Ave. outside the V.A. Hospital in Albany, NY for several months now. I thought the city had put it there as some type of decoration. If there is another message there, how is the average citizen supposed to know that? Oh, and also, is the Thomas Sneddon who is posting profanity & veiled threats here, the same Thomas Sneddon who prosecuted Michael Jackson? If so, that would probably explain all the anger.

Posted 11/14/10 by Ryans Mom

Very powerful and eye opening. My son rides his bike everyday and I pray that I will never have to paint his bike white. I've seen a few around where I live and never realized why they were there. Watch for those who ride on two wheels as you drive in something with four.

Posted 11/14/10 by angel

I have seen 2 or 3 of these bikes around where I live. At first I really didn't understand why that bike was there chained to the pole, but after I saw another one at another location I realized what they were there for. I don't see any problem with this.

Posted 11/14/10 by robin owens

After 20 years of mountain biking and 40 years of cycling, I no longer can ride a bike due to injuries.Now I'm a walking white bike.

Posted 11/14/10 by Erik B.

Oh sorry... yeah no wonder you are mad

Posted 11/14/10 by Thomas Sneddon

Erik B., You're reading the wrong post dude,this is what that *sshole wrote to me: Posted 11/13/10 by obxsalvo Ref. to. (Posted 11/13/10 by Thomas Sneddon) May the next white bike be yours XOXOX

Posted 11/14/10 by Mark

I used to bike a lot. In fact I used a bicycle for transportation as much as recreation.I made sure that I obeyed traffic laws and gave all motor vehicles the respect that they deserve. I see a lot of bicyclists in my area who believe that they have some unwritten entitlement to use a traffic lane meant for motor vehicles.These cyclists have to realize that if they think that they are going to win a battle against someone who they may have agitated that is stuck driving behind them that they are going to lose.It almost comes across as a challenge or a dare to hit them. I'm not saying that some bicyclist may be responsible for their deaths or injuries.I'm just saying that they need to yield to any motor vehicle no matter what they may think their right is.It may prevent a fatal accident.

Posted 11/14/10 by Erik B

Thomas Sneddon: Why all the hostility? All he did was point out that riders certainly share some of the blame. Which is true.

Posted 11/14/10 by Lisa

I first seen a ghost bike chained to a street sign over a year ago, I wasn't sure why it looked like that. One day I was caught in traffic & seen the same bike & could read the sign. I was saddened by it. I thought it was a good Idea to make people aware that someone lost a life there. This hits close to my heart as I had a dear friend who was killed on a bike when we were just 14yrs old. May we all be careful & watch for bike riders & motorcycles too.

Posted 11/14/10 by Thomas Sneddon

Obxsalvo, Someone should paint you white,chain you up to a utility pole and drive their car up your *ss. If you have any brains,you'll remain anonymous & stay hidden behind your computer where it's safe. Better pray to God that our paths never cross....

Posted 11/14/10 by Bob

Jeez.... will somebody please give the guy a basic set of handtools! A pair of vise-grips and a crescent wrench belong in grandma's kitchen tool drawer -- not in any MAN'S (OR woman's) shop, fer cheissakes. Great idea what he is doing but could be far more efficient with decent tools. And, plesse, Santa, while you are at it, bring him a spray-gun to replace the paint brush.

Posted 11/14/10 by Debbie

This is good way to notably memorialize the fallen rider, but I was thinking turning the bikes upside down would also symbolize that the bike never will be ridden again.

Posted 11/14/10 by Erik Bell

Look bikers (And, by the way, I ride alot) you may have the RIGHT to be on roads and the RIGHT to go as slow as you want, etc. However, just because you have the RIGHT, doesn't mean it is the smart thing to do. I live in Colorado and bikers are all over these narrow mountain roads every single weekend. And here is what I don't get...on one particular stretch of road near my home, a bike trail runs parallel to the road and you idiotic bikers ride on the road anyway!!! Are you nuts? Why in the hell don't you ride on the flippin' trail? And, there are hundreds of miles of bike paths here in the Denver area. Why do you insist on riding on roads without them? Get a clue!

Posted 11/14/10 by lynn b

I too saw my first ghost bike this week, in Long Beach, CA, someone had placed a sign with a cyclists name and a date in June, 2010. I assumed it was a memorial and now I know the story, thank you!

Posted 11/14/10 by David Londono

i live in NYC and the first time i saw this i thought "someone must have died riding a bike around here", guess i was right... moreover, I think they should also paint a white helmet to remind us helmet-less bikers to wear helmets because they increase your survival rate in a bike collision.

Posted 11/14/10 by mags

dave, are you stupid.. bikes dont make nearly as much damage to the roads as cars! and if more people road bikes, there would be less tax for fixing up roads as there is to cars sue, it talks about the death of people, and ties in why the bike is being stripped and colored white. its pretty simple. James Rinjii Collier, what are you like 5? learn how to spell you sound like a retard! pretty much if you ride a bike or drive a car..whatever you do pay attention to the road and obey the rules! dont cut people off, dont run lights/signs, dont be a ###.

Posted 11/14/10 by memo

theres alot of ghost bikes in chicago, and its sad. my husband rides his bike to work everyday and i was hate to have a ghost bike for him. drivers in cars need to learn to share the road, i mean come on bikes where made before cars in the first place! but also people on bikes need to obey the rules of the road! alot of people on bikes run redlights or stop signs or cut of cars, and then they get angry because the car honks at them or almost hits them. either which lots of people die from getting hit by cars and this is a way to make a statement and to get the word out. and no not alot of these bikes get stolen, i have seen the same bikes in the same place with the same chains for over 2 years. people know its a for someone death, most people put flowers or pic's or whatever at the bike..its pretty much the same point as the cross's on the side of the road for the people who died in car accident, except its alittle bit more artistic and stands out more than a cross

Posted 11/14/10 by Zmagicone

Gee Annetta, rage often? I feel this is a kind and loving geasture to honor someone, that, of course,will deemed an afront to some zealous indiviuals. They will pass another local ordinence to remove them...this, as usual will funded by our dollars and NON-sence. Would be nice though if the bycycles were repaired and donated to an organization in the name and honor of the rider. At least if one is stolen jeebitaire...in ironic way it's a form of recycling ;-\

Posted 11/14/10 by Eric Taylor

I was driving down the street in Long Beach, CA and saw a ghost bike. I didnt think much of it and just kept driving but now i know the meaning behind it.

Posted 11/14/10 by n

i feel this message reads more as drive more, cycle less... rather than ride safely. cyclist get exercise (in this obesity ridden amaerica) and they are taking a huge step to save the environment by not driving everywhere. this white bike thing says nothing about riding safely... i just dont wanna ride tomorrow, thats all. im not into it at all!

Posted 11/14/10 by Annetta

This is so ridiculous and manipulative...makes me wan to run over every cyclist I see...including my husband. Seriously, I'm a cyclist myself, but I want no part of this maudlin, self-pitying spew!! Bikers and cyclist need to realize that they're at a decided disadvantage when they take to the highways and roads. Buy a car and get a life. Shut up.

Posted 11/14/10 by PJ Mansour

I think it is sad to see the ghost bikes...but I think that it should show us that it is time to build more bike paths and not have the bikes on the road. I feel sad when I come up on a bike and they don't see the car coming up behind them. Biking is terrific...but death is forever....Time to have their own road not the dangerous one that cars and trucks use every day.

Posted 11/14/10 by jeebitaire

This type of thing would go totally unnoticed here since the bike would be stolen then sold to and re/deconstructed by the nearest hipster db within six hours. True story.

Posted 11/14/10 by revivalman

I live well out in the country and must drive about 10 miles to and from work every day on narrow, twisting,and hilly backroads. I can't tell you how many times I have rounded a sharp curve or topped a hill in the road and come within inches of hitting a bicyclist. For whatever reason, they seem to choose these roads, which are dangerous even for autos. Why? Even more upsetting, is their attitude. I've been flipped off more than a few times when I have sounded my horn to get them to the edge of the road so I can safely pass. IMO, bicycles should be banned from such roads.

Posted 11/14/10 by bob horton

Another example of our WIMPY society. Death comes in all forms. I am sick of the "Ghost Bikes," crosses and flowers. Get some balls young people. It seems like everyone in this generation of wimps has to have a cause.

Posted 11/14/10 by Dom

I think roadside memorials are nothing more than trash. People who leave stuff on the sidewalks and roads should be fined!

Posted 11/14/10 by Ed

Powerful short film !! Hope it gets the message out to both the cyclist and the motor vehicle operators.

Posted 11/14/10 by Eddei

All of these comments are valid, unfortunately living in NYC has made me jaded. I drive professionally, and recently the city of New York has taken to installing bicycle lanes. They are set up so that both the traffic and bicyclists have traffic control devices specific for them. UNFORTUNATELY, there are bicyclists who believe that those controls are not for them. They will ignore the devices, travel the wrong way and then act as if it is their right to do so. I have even been parked on the left side of a one way street, with the traffic coming from behind me and after looking both ways to make sure it was safe to exit the spot, I have almost struck bicyclists going the wrong way in front of me. NYC has a bicycle helmet law, good luck with that one. I have been struck 3 times by cyclists, once while standing at the edge of the curb waiting to cross and twice by bicyclists going the wrong way. I believe that cyclists should be made to have their vehicles registered like an automobile, and in addition they should have a license plate and be made to carry insurance. Bicycling is wonderful for our health, I have two and would love to see peace between the auto and bike owners.

Posted 11/14/10 by Ethan

Who cares about these bikes? Its just some people who found something to talk about to make them feel/look important on camera. Like they are actually doing this for a good cause. HELLO! There are people in the world who die horrible ways everyday from the lack of basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. I say forget the bikes...there are more important things at stake.

Posted 11/14/10 by Helen

My husband and I have known a number of bike riders who have been seriously injured or have died as a result of serious injuries. The more cars on the road, the more bike accidents. It is dangerous to ride bikes in high traffic areas because riders are hard to see.

Posted 11/14/10 by TerryDould

I have always felt that a phantom bike riders are actually those men and women who were working as bike messengers at the twin Towers during the attacks on 9/11. Many people have not been accounted for and I think that this could be their way of recognition. They were someone's child and those parents are still grieving. Maybe this is the only way they know how to communicate who they are through what they were. I don't know. TerryDould

Posted 11/14/10 by Dave

Hey, TAX the bikes to pay for the bike lanes and road upkeep.

Posted 11/14/10 by Tara

Maybe this is what is needed to reminder cyclists that if they are going to ride on roads, they need to obey the rules of the road just as if they were riding a car. A bicycle doesn't give them the authority to ride between cars or to get by slow cars by passing on the right-hand side up against the curb.

Posted 11/14/10 by Lynn Gubnitsky

Excellent graphic statement using minimal stark image......if I see one, I will instantly commiserate with more specific thoughts than when passing the more prolific crosses & plastic flowers, though they also are moving.

Posted 11/13/10 by SPooKy

Seems like a worthwhile/substantial concept. Just wondering the duration they have until some city employee using bolt cutters removes them.

Posted 11/13/10 by Sue Lowry

The automobile always wins,so awareness must be raised for both drivers and cyclist to share the road and care about each other. Thanks for a thought provoking reminder.

Posted 11/13/10 by John

Nice film; but you owe a credit to my cousin Patrick in St. Louis who came up with the idea and placed the first ghost bike in South St. Louis.

Posted 11/13/10 by Deb

I live in Portland OR, where these ghost bikes have been popping up around town for a while. There are a lot of bike commuters in the area, and most of them ride like they have sense. A local group (Bicycle transportation alliance) partnered with Portland Water Bureau to have a safety event where the cyclists got to sit in the driver's seat of dump trucks so they could get a feel for how big the blind spots are. The PWB is located really close to some major bike paths going into the downtown area. Hopefully we will not see any ghost bikes in that neighborhood. Drivers and cyclists need to be paying attention here.

Posted 11/13/10 by Analyze This

Here in the USA we have a culture of cyclists that ride bikes the way they drive cars. No respect for the laws and no regard for their personal safety. When bad things happen, accountability take a back seat. So sad but a reality

Posted 11/13/10 by Robert B

To give some idea of the hatred bikers put up with; I'm an actor and had a dresser for one play. She described how she was once crossing the street (she had waited for the pedestrian signal to change), when a guy on a cell 'phone swerved into her and nearly ran her over. She got up, a bit woozy, from under the car. Car guy: Are you okay? She: I think so... Car gay: Then get the f*** out of the way.

Posted 11/13/10 by Rheanna

This is odd. But very intelligant. this should really boost up someoones thougths of first them being careful and second all drivers to be aware ver y beautifull.

Posted 11/13/10 by Sue

The 'explanation' for why there are white bikes being displayed does not seem to mention.........WHY ARE THERE WHITE BIKES BEING DISPLAYED? I know artsy people are different, but I refuse to believe they are dumb. Maybe just the person who failed to actually answer the query is dumb. I have used real bicycles to decorate many times. It doesn't need to be sad or represent something dying. Bicycles are beautiful mechanical, GREEN machines. There are so many wonderful things to say about bicycles that I should not even begin. So, again, Why are white bikes being displayed?

Posted 11/13/10 by Kerry

...this is a good thing...nice to see someone put this in action...search: The Dawn of Intelligence...

Posted 11/13/10 by James

Posted 11/13/10 by John Any death is a sad. But letting bikes ride on roads in a way that brakes all the laws such as no blinkers or brake lights, cant go at a reasonable speed. Accidents will happen. I think bikes should remain on the sidewalks. Of course written by someone who has never ridden or owned a bike.And if you really think about it...bikes were here first.The freedom of riding free and under your own power I'm sure has sadly escaped you...o.k,maybe that was a bit dramatic but the roads do take alot of obstacles out of the way as compared to the sidewalk

Posted 11/13/10 by Leslie

A beautiful and haunting reminder of how many loved ones are lost to both rider and driver carelessness. I first saw these on an episode of CSI:NY and thought it was a very striking way of remembering those lost loved ones .

Posted 11/13/10 by Clifton

Why are the locks and chains not painted white too?

Posted 11/13/10 by Roadsidememorial

This is exactly why I designed RoadSideMemorialSites.com This is a place to keep these very special places alive online please check it out

Posted 11/13/10 by Kevin

There is a Ghost Bike on Carson St. in Long Beach that I pass daily. I had no idea it was part of a project. Everytime I see it I am saddened knowing that someone was killed. I thought it was put there by the family. There are flowers all around it. I do think it is a good reminder of the dangers of bike riding on city streets. Long Beach has another sign posted that reades "Long Beach - a Bike Friendly City". We have many bike trails also but riding on the street is sometimes a necessity. The Ghost Bike is placed along the street on the way to a local college.

Posted 11/13/10 by Matthew S.

Misleading title i was hopeing for something supernatural or paranormal not this.

Posted 11/13/10 by John

Any death is a sad. But letting bikes ride on roads in a way that brakes all the laws such as no blinkers or brake lights, cant go at a reasonable speed. Accidents will happen. I think bikes should remain on the sidewalks.

Posted 11/13/10 by JeffG

Okay....I get the message that leaving a "ghost bike" is trying to convey, but lock it there, and throw away the key?? So...leaving an old bike locked somewhere, to become an eyesore, is going to make me think about caution around bikers? Not likely...all it's going to make me think is that somebody left a piece of junk out. Find another way to remind people to be careful, rather than just littering the countryside. Not acceptable.

Posted 11/13/10 by javadic

Bike paths/lanes would be a good thing. Every place I've ever lived that had them got rid of them even when they were highly trafficked by people on bicycles. The city planners also bear some responsibility here.

Posted 11/13/10 by Drew

yeah its so fun having to slam on my brakes everytime one of these idiots thinks he/she doesnt have to obey traffic laws, count them as vehicles not pedestrians

Posted 11/13/10 by Drew

yeah its so fun having to slam on my brakes everytime one of these idiots thinks he/she doesnt have to obey traffic laws, count them as vehicles not pedestrians

Posted 11/13/10 by Mallory

These are some silly comments. I am 26 and never owned a car until I had a son and it became necessary. I live in a mid sized metropolitan area with a very poor public transit system, and biking was my main form of transportation. I biked to do everything from buying groceries, going to school, and commuting to work. It's terribly stupid to say, "Well, just don't bike in busy areas." Sidewalks are not an option here either because they are crowded, sometimes made of uneven brick packed on top of loose sand, and most do not have ramps on and off of the sidewalk. And the sidewalks are hardily even safe for walkers at night due to people speeding out of alleyways. New cyclists need to take time and care into learning proper safety and cycling techniques, and drivers need to learn how to adapt to the rising population of cyclists. It's a two way street, literally. Cyclists and drivers can both be at fault, and there will be no resolution to problems like these if everyone keeps resorting to finger pointing and blaming. Grow up, people.

Posted 11/13/10 by Andrew Mboya

My message to bikers, is that they should remain steadfast, and firm in biking, as the future belongs to them. Biking is good exercise, and were it not for crazy motorists, it could well be considered to be " healthy" activity. However, when all the world's oil finally runs out, biking will once again become mainstream. There will only be relatively few expensive to operate electric vehicles running on our streets in future, owing to high government taxes, making biking the transportation activity of choice, for the majority of planet earth's inhabitants. Yes, biking is the future, not the past! Ironically, the 'ghost' will live once again! Time will tell..

Posted 11/13/10 by doreen

Don,t like it. depressing, unneccesary doom and gloom. The world is not in a good place right now. We need more upbeat commercials and statements.Humor talks volumes and goes a long way these days......

Posted 11/13/10 by Carl J.

I have no problem at all with bicycles being on busy roads and boulevards, as long as they comply with the same posted speed limit laws and stop sign laws that car drivers to. I wish I had a dime in my pocket for every time a cyclist going 10MPH down a busy 50MPH boulevard has forced me to cross a double-yellow line with my car and risk a deadly head-on 100MPH crash with another car just so I can pass them. And please don't try to tell me that I should just follow the bike and go 10MPH on a 50MPH street for miles on end. A lot of the "idiocy" belongs in the laps of cyclists too.

Posted 11/13/10 by MM

Yeah! Love all the bike Nazi comments.

Posted 11/13/10 by James Rinjii Collier

This total insaniaty! A bike is not a car! Get of the road if you don't want to die. I am So sick so having to go like 30 mph just to pass a group of ovver grown turtles! Every time I pass these gravle eating slowmobiles I just want to reach out an push them over! Oh ye then there there the agaront spoiled nutjobs who get on theroad and just pull out on the road and go like 5 mph with thir hand off the handle bars and then expect me to look out for their safty....give me a brake! These two weel susicide machines have no rights to the road! Period! If you get hit it's your own fault. Any one who still thinks tehy should still be allowed on the road shod be stuck behind like a hundred bikes for the nex 30 years! You bikers make me sick! get a scooter a moter bike... something! Stop ruining the raod forevery one else! Selfish two weelers...

Posted 11/13/10 by Aimee

well,theres been a 'ghost bike' close to where i live since long ago.so,why is it so big now?._.

Posted 11/13/10 by Chris

I never have understood why cyclists must ride in the street. If a cyclist is hit by a car, he's more apt to be killed. On the other hand, if a cyclist is riding on a sidewalk it's unlikely anyone will be killed.

Posted 11/13/10 by Abe L

Frank you are a moron outlaw bikes you need to be outlawed to say a dumb coment like that

Posted 11/13/10 by Mary

IT IS ILLEGAL TO RIDE A BIKE ON THE SIDEWALK IN MOST STATES.

Posted 11/13/10 by Jeanieq.

I lost my youngest sister in Jan. 1999. She was killed on her bike crossing Del Amo Blvd. in Long Beach CA. She left behind 2 teenage daughters. I would like to see one of these where she was hit.

Posted 11/13/10 by me

Are people idiotic? ghost bikes have been a thing since the late 80's this is nothing new.

Posted 11/13/10 by FranksAnAss

@Frank: Pedestrians get killed by speeding cars all the time, should we outlaw crossing the street as well? The first time your kid gets slammed-into by someone riding his bike on a sidewalk you'll change your tune. By law (in most states/counties) it is ILLEGAL for cyclists to ride on sidewalks. Cyclists are considered "motorists". It is not only the job of the person on a bike to be aware of the law and traffic around them, but also of the people in cars to be aware of the law and bicycles around them. I ride to work often, in a large city, and often deal with drivers suddenly swerving (and often driving) in designated bike lanes, or turning without a signal. Many drivers also consider bike lanes "Put-your-blinkers-on-and-park" lanes, forcing cyclists into traffic.

Posted 11/13/10 by god

People who say bikes cannot be on the road are idiots. hope you #######s choke.

Posted 11/13/10 by Deb

Silent yet deafening. Inspiring and awesome. What a great creative expression.

Posted 11/13/10 by Julia

This is probably a really nice thing to do to everyone who has died. This can show drivers to be more careful and show bike riders too.

Posted 11/13/10 by Frank

Outlaw bikes on all roads the roads are for cars & trucks end of story.So you bike riding idiots stay off the road or else.

Posted 11/13/10 by GRACE2STAND

Non-motorized bicycles should be considered pedestrians. Bike riders are just as vulnerable as pedestrians, lacking a shield around them and lacking the speed to effectively dodge an oncoming car. As such, the law should place them on the berm, facing traffic. I love cycling, but wouldn't dream of riding on well travelled streets, even in my small town. Sadly, for me, cycling is a sport, not a means of necessary transportation.

Posted 11/13/10 by simon

every now and again, if i need toget somewhere out of the way i cant bike to or public transportation cant take me to, ill borrow a car and drive. know what? its really easy not to hit cyclists. really easy. just pay attention. or go around them. problem solved. sure, cyclists have hit pedestrians and have swerved into traffic. but im willing to bet eveything i own that the fault is more often thn not, that of an unattentive motorist. i see a cyclist, i dont get crazy, i go around him. you should try too. ps george, by law, in all 50 states, cyclists have rights protecting them. on most roads. maybe people should be law abiding and this wont happen so much? wanna try?

Posted 11/13/10 by carol

Marvelous film - I loved the comments that art can/does facilitate change - I am beginning to think that the key to a better world is simple respect - not necessarily agreeing, not necessarily enabling, not necessarily promoting, but just respect for one another. Thank you for making this film and for making it available.

Posted 11/13/10 by George

Are bike riders now a endangered species? I think the project exacerbates the wrong headed notion that people riding bikes are "victims" of crashes with larger vehicles. In truth bike riding in large cities and other dangerous places is a near sucicidal passtime. Where I live weekend bike riders race up and down narrow canyon roads. I feel more sorrow for the person who accidentaly hits them than I do for the bike riders. Riding in bike lanes or on safe roads is one thing. But riding a bike in hazardous areas should be considered negligence on its face by the part of the cyclist and nobody who hits them accidentaly should be held responsible for their poor choice of activities.

Posted 11/13/10 by Lee

the vehicle drivers & insurance companies should pay attention and accept responsibility. CNA Financial Corp stated they doubted my medical claim, but paid a year after their customer hit me. He even plead guilty in court ! @ least I am NOT DEAD!

Posted 11/13/10 by Mary

My 17 year old Nephew was killed by a Car driven by an 88 year old women. He was driving on what is supposed to be a Shoulder on the side of the rd. which is all very large Gravel, for Many Many Miles. He and his friend were on the strip of pavement on the shoulder side of the white line. Although she said she was driving within her lane, This women never gave them any room, NEVER USED "DUE CARE", approaching them, and when my 17 year old Nephew, lost control of his bicycle, due to his t-shirt getting caught in his tire, He Never Stood a Chance with a Driver, "no Matter what age", Being THAT CLOSE to the shoulder of the Road. As I said She NEVER USED "DUE CARE" in approaching Them! and yet no tickets were given to her. BULLS##T.

Posted 11/13/10 by Tony

The loss of any life is tragic. However, there is a "but." I live in NYC and the rampant disregard for others shown by many, of course not all, bike riders is appalling. They think nothing of speeding on the sidewalks, going the wrong way on one way streets, ignoring stoplights, and the fact that there are pedestrians everywhere if of no concern toi then. Delivery persons are the worst of all. Our Mayor is promoting bicycle riding, which is not a bad thing, but more attention needs to be paid to punishing the bycycle offenders and in the cases of gthe devivery persons, their employers. They injure and in at least one case I know, have caused the death of a pedestrian.

Posted 11/13/10 by Billy Bob

I ride my bike drunk really drunk all the time and have ran into cars its time we bike riders take back the roads these dam cars and trucks think they own next time a car pulls in front of me on my huffy I am smashing it

Posted 11/13/10 by Kenneth Larson

Bike riders should not take fenders off their bikes because when it rains the dirty water and mud spins around the moving wheels and splatters all over the rider's clean clothes. The manufacturers put the fenders on bikes for this very good reason--so keep the fenders on! I discovered this while riding a bike without fenders and the muddy water spun around and splattered all over my clean clothes.

Posted 11/13/10 by tlorz

Any accidental death is a tragedy.In my area most biking accidents and death seem to involve doctors and like professionals. To me that indicates that education has an inverse relationship with sense. Propeling an unprotected human body at speeds in excess of 15 mph (and no the quirky helmets most cyclists use do not constitute protection) with limited visability in the presence of large, heavy vehicles and arrogantly (spandex ranger) expecting them to make way is the height of stupidity. Due caution must be maintained by all and those who are the most vulnerable must be the most cautious.

Posted 11/13/10 by MAX

what an #######, ghost bikes represent fallen riders killed by accident. this ####head is a idiot who should die, ####### retard.

Posted 11/13/10 by loudhornhonker

Re fâ€™ing tarded! As long as this doofus is taking the time and money to purposely f*** up a bike, why doesnâ€™t he fix it up for someone else? This (f)art project is stupider than the bicyclists who were stupid enough to get killed because they think their â€˜rights to the roadâ€™ would protect them. Even if youâ€™re in the right and a truck hits you, youâ€™re still dead. Discretion is the better part of valor, idiots. These wankers are littering the city with useless bikes and filling up the landfills with the keys they throw into the dumpster. Instead, they should nail up sh*t stained spandex shorts at the accident scene.

Posted 11/13/10 by NYer

I feel sorry for the bikers that have lost their lives, I do not know the reason behind the accidents. However in NY the bikers are the ones with no respect for cars or riding laws. They are suppose to ride single file, not 2 and 3 wide. They are suppose to obay traffric rules and not just proceed through stop signs and traffic lights, which they all do. Finally I have yet to see anyone use a hand signal. Maybe the first step is giving a training course to bikers. That would keep them alive and safe too.

Posted 11/13/10 by jen

thank you, B Moore! I am glad I am not the only one who thought Spandex Ranger's post was a little extreme. Spandex...you COULD have gotten your point across without being so arrogant.

Posted 11/13/10 by bob

Every body has their own cause. What if we took a mock-up of a brain, painted it white, and placed it at the scene of where a psychiatrist died, bla bla . Bicyclists urk me to death. They want all the rights of the road, but they do not want to obey the rules of the road, ie stopping at stop signs, not driving on the sidewalks, yielding to pedestrians. If you ever are in a car and hit a biker,,, its all YOUR fault, regardless of what the a##hole on the bike was doing. If you want to share on the roads,,,OBEY the rules.......

Posted 11/13/10 by JamesWilson

Powerful! I would juxtapose this with some of the videos on www.Bikefree.org I would have each bike serve as a symbol for the cause that the Bikefree.org man started. This would show awareness, sadness, and the eternal hope for our youth; renewal, T.S. Elliot, "April is the...." Rebirth of the bike and bicyclist. All bikers, serious ones, see what I mean and decide if you might agree with this concept.

Posted 11/13/10 by JamesWilson

Powerful! I would juxtapose this with some of the videos on www.Bikefree.org I would have each bike serve as a symbol for the cause that the Bikefree.org man started. This would show awareness, sadness, and the eternal hope for our youth; renewal, T.S. Elliot, "April is the...." Rebirth of the bike and bicyclist. All bikers, serious ones, see what I mean and decide if you might agree with this concept.

Posted 11/13/10 by B Moore

Spandex Ranger, Don't know where you got the idea that motor vehicles have NO rights when bikes are on the road, and your assertion that "per every state's laws" bicycles have right of way over motor vehicles is just plain wrong. Your post is self-righteous and ridiculous. And, by the way, if you believe that you can TAKE THE LANE whenever you want, well, that may be a reason we have as many unfortunate deaths of cyclists as we do. 3000 lb cars (and 73,280 lb trucks) cannot stop on a dime. Consideration goes both ways.

Posted 11/13/10 by Lyricaldove

It is sad that a white bike symbolizes the death of a cyclist. I don't want to be disrespectful, but in New York City there is a real problem with cyclists being a danger to pedestrians. Cyclists ride on sidewalks, go in both directions on one one streets, and ride through traffic lights. I've been cursed at when I've asked cyclists to get off the sidewalk. I was knocked down and injured by a cyclist going down a one way street in the wrong direction. As a result of a knee injury, I had painful injections in my knee and spent months in physical therapy. I know the cyclists who are being honored are not the ones who injured me or have disregarded the road rules. I feel sorry for the families who have lost loved ones. At the same, I wish all cyclists in NYC would pay attention to traffic laws and be respectful of pedestrians. Not a day goes by when I don't see a cyclist ignoring traffic laws.

Posted 11/13/10 by Carrie Saunders

Yes, this is art and I appreciate them (ghost bikes). On the other hand they distract me while I drive. They make me sad, just like the shrines at the side of the roads where people have lost their loved ones. Pretty soon the roads will be covered with these things and we can all be distracted and miserible and crash into one another. I always look for cyclists and I try to be very careful driving. If we all would do this, there would be no need for these reminders. The population is increasing, there are more people to look out for. If we would value each other as more as ourselves......what do you think will happen???

Posted 11/13/10 by roxie

I first saw a ghost bike 3 years ago on a fence next to an abandoned house, that happened to be my neighbor's house. The person the bike represented? My favorite teacher in high school. My favorite teacher in high school was killed by a 20 year old girl who was driiving and texting. My teacher was on his way to work, passing my house that was on a major street in a small town in CA, 45 mins. North of Los Angeles. He was struck by the car, and hit my sister's parked truck and then thrown with his bike onto the middle of the street. Helent was completely shattered and his face completely unrecognizable. My sister was the first to the scene as she was just coming out of the house when this happened. She also had him for 2 years in high school. She didn't even make out his cheery face. My teacher was the best. He had already experienced bad accidents on his bike, but he kept on telling us 17=19 year olds to respect the bicyclists. When i got the call that this had happened, I immediately knew it was going to hurt alot. When I found out it was him, I could not help but cry my eyes out. 20 year old, texting, driving, bike, and a teacher. In front of my house. I will never forget it. It happens one too many times.

Posted 11/13/10 by SpandexRanger

Clearly some of you are confused about the nature of our relationship. By you we mean motorists, and by us we mean cyclists. We are sick of getting screamed at, honked at, having things thrown at us, swerved at, and it's time you learned your place in the order of things. â€¢ Per every stateâ€™s laws, cyclists have right of way over motor vehicles AND right of use on every non-restricted road. â€¢ Motor vehicles have NO rights when a bicycle is on the road. Leaning on your horn is NOT going to get us off the road - and may get you a ticket. â€¢ AS A COURTESY we allow you to pass by when WE feel it is safe. However, you have taken a courtesy and tried to turn it into an entitlement. You are wrong. â€¢ Per many stateâ€™s laws, you are required to give us at least 3-4 feet of clearance when we do allow you to pass. â€¢ If there is not enough room to pass safely in lane with at least 3-4 feet of clearance, then you are required BY LAW to slow down or stop and wait until it is safe. 10 more seconds isn't going to kill anyone, but barreling through certainly killed cyclists. â€¢ We are not required to ride on sidewalks; in many places, riding on sidewalks is illegal. SideWALKS are for pedestrians. If you don't like it, cough up tax dollars and authorize your politicians to construct bike paths. â€¢ We CAN take the lane at OUR discretion. Why we take the lane is up to us - it might be glass, sand, rocks, branches, dirty diapers, etc. You don't get a vote; you just move over and shut up. â€¢ When we take the lane, you are required to slow down and take your place behind us. You are not entitled to lean on your horn, you are not entitled to scream verbal abuse, and you are not entitled to swerve into the oncoming lane to pass us and then swerve back. You are not entitled to barrel through on a single lane road. Would you treat a motorcycle like that? No? Then what makes you think you can do that to us? â€¢ You cannot swerve around us to make right turns. You cannot pull in front of us and jam on your brakes. â€¢ Failing to stop does not deprive us of any other rights. â€¢ If youâ€™re still confused, check with your local police department. By accepting your driver's license you agreed to operate your motor vehicle in accordance with these laws. If you have a problem with this, then drop off your license at the R/DMV and take the bus. Or ride with us.

Posted 11/13/10 by Daddy-O

Im guessing with the time spent doing silly things like this that a Ghost Paycheck is prolly what you are receiving too. Move out of mommy's basement, get a job, and move the hell on!

Posted 11/13/10 by Bill Hylbert

I regularly pass by a Penn State professor's now-white-bike that he used to commute to campus. I thought it was a single tribute by his family, so it's nice to know it part of something larger. This death was a double tragedy, as the young man who hit him had hemianopsia, and by his own remorseful admission should not have been driving, as he couldn't see to the right of the road without intentionally looking. I believe he's in jail now. Anyway, the "art" is moving, like white crosses by the roadside, that remind us of the randomness of our mortality. Mark Whalster's comment 3 or so before this one, should be read by all bikers too. It connects to the angry writers: follow turf and money, and you find the truth behind much anger. My 10th grade social studies teacher said "all wars are economic". Especially when it comes to the posession of valued territory. Like a roadway.

Posted 11/13/10 by Petrina

Sadly,my uncle was a recepiant of a ghost bike. When the bike first appeared we were in awe. No one knew where it came from or what it meant. I googled white bikes and found the symbolism. It brings awareness of the growning problem of bicycle accidents and the fact that even more people are riding them these days. Keep an eye out; that goes for drivers and cyclist.

Posted 11/13/10 by Peggy Garrett

My son was killed while riding his bicycle in Philadelphia on July 15, 2010. In that area bicycles have full use of the travel lanes. My son was exactly where he was supposed to be and wearing his helmet. I woman driver hit him from behind. He went backwards into her car and broke his neck in 3 places. His helmet was thrown off his head from back to front. He flew through the air and landed on the right side of his head craching his skull in 3 different areas. He lived for 3 hours. He was airlifted to University of Pennsylvania Hospital where he bled out on the table during surgery. His heart stopped. He was a Ph.D working as a research scientist in stem cells. He was brilliant. He also taught where he worked--Haverford College. The woman driver claimed to not have seem him at all and did not know he was in front of her. Apparently the laws in that area are very liberal and there will be no charges pressed against her. Apparently in the Philly area, they give full rights to the cylist, but not pretections under the law. I live in Louisiana where the outcome of this investigation would have been very different. My family is appalled at the decision of the Delaware County district attorney to not press charges. How can this be? My son is dead forever. And I can tell you that those two words --dead and forever-- have taken on a whole new meaning in my life. I don't really have a point-- I just have a sad story. His 39th birthday would have been this Tuesday November, 16. Someone please tell me how to get through that day and the rest of my life without my son.

Posted 11/13/10 by peter

Bikeriders have the same rights as other road users, thus have to follow the rules of road the same way, or to be punished the same way. Bikelines as I see it are joke, they should be separate trail at least 5ft from road.

Posted 11/13/10 by Doug

I think these bicycles are a very powerful statement, although I have not seen one up close and personal. I also understand where the dumptruck driver is coming from. I too ride my bicycle and have seen other riders run stop signs like they are not there. Others take their half from the middle of the road. No one wants to have the death or even injury, of an inocent person, on their mind forever. So if both, motor vehicle drivers and bicycle riders would obey the laws and the rules of the road, everyone would get along better and probably live longer.

Posted 11/13/10 by Will

I do have to agree it's not just the drivers.There are cyclists here that ride right in the middle of the traffic lane,and large groups blocking the road riding 10 miles an hour showing off their spandex or whatever.If you are one of them,reaise that you are making it difficult for those of us that do try to stay out of the way and follow the rules of the road.The bottom line is having a little more consideration on both sides.Ride,or drive,safe.

Posted 11/13/10 by Kat

A ghost bike appeared at one of our busy intersections. Without details, I just wanted to say that we drove by moments after the accident. My daughters and I felt chills as we noticed a white blanket laying over someone in the road. We later found out the reason for the chills, it was someone we knew. What happened to this child was uncalled for and unnecessary. Bikers and drivers alike should always be aware of there surroundings. Especially at intersections. No one should assume that "right of way" means you HAVE to stop or that they WILL stop. Keep your eyes on the road when you're driving, that's all you SHOULD be doing!

Posted 11/13/10 by Mark Wahlster

I drive Dump truck for a living in an average day I drive 200+ miles mostly in or around the edges of cities. And I see many many many bicycle riders each day and until they learn to follow traffic laws and to look out for themselves there will be loss of life. Every day I see bikes screaming right through intersections switching from the road to the cross walk or the side walk to move around traffic. I see people riding two or even more abreast on narrow country roads that have very heavy truck and auto traffic. MANY MANY times I have to drop my speed to the speed of the bicycle to avoid hitting them and let me tell you sometimes slowing 105,500 lbs in a big hurry is hard to do when you find a bicycle taking up the traffic lane and on coming traffic. Bicycle riders NEED to follow the laws of the road PERIOD. Now before you go screaming about how I hate bicycles you should know that between 1974 and 1983 I rode a Motobecane Grand Record I rode in Century races Criteriums and did an average of 150 miles a week. I still ride a bike for pleasure but only around the small town I live in. So I know both sides. Here in Oregon Bicycles are given their own lane at a cost to the tax payers (I know I pave roads I help widen roads for the lanes) yet they pay nothing in road tax. The least they could do is try to not scare the hell out of the other people on the road with them.

Posted 11/13/10 by Rich

Absolutely retarded.

Posted 11/13/10 by Burl

Dear Frank, why did you watch the Vid....? you must be very narrow minded and Lonely! I think it was FANTASTIC!!!!

Posted 11/13/10 by Matt

Hey Frank, I know sometimes it's difficult to understand why some people might want to memorialize those who died. Oh wait no it's not really difficult to understand. And I'm pretty sure that if I was walking down the side of the street I would much rather see a ghostly white bike lying in wont of a previous rider than the everyday trash you probably throw out of your car every morning.

Posted 11/13/10 by Adam Paul

Beautiful message. Simply put... do not be in such a hurry that your focus is not where it should be. Bikers, Children, elderly are all worth the full attention of our drivers to keep on the look out for. Kudos to the White Bike awareness. Sincerely Adam Paul

Posted 11/13/10 by gene tanski

conceptually a wonderful piece. It speaks to lonelyness-the shortness of life-lack of responsibility and the lack of vitality in "modern art". I would like to hear a equal volume in the speaking voices. tanskiart.com make sure to see and hear the utube link gene

Posted 11/13/10 by patti

It is a beautiful tribute. A bike was put up a half a block from where I live. Every day I past it. Always wondering how his faily felt and how preceiou life is. Unfortunetly the City of New York forbids ghost bikes attached to stops signs or any city pole. But the family prevailed his picture still remains. It is sad that the City took upon this issue when there are so many others that need tending too. ie homeless etc. New Yorkers send a message to the Mayors office to get this ghost bike back on the spot where their loved passed. Great movie 4 thums up!

Posted 11/13/10 by Frank

What a bunch of worthless feel-good crap. Don't you people have anything better with your time? Under the guise of art, this so-called memorial is no more than a littering of public places and does nothing for those that are supposed to be represented. Just to chain a white bike somewhere with no explaination of what it stands for makes no sense to most normal people who will view it as abandoned junk

Posted 11/13/10 by carlito

WELL I FOUND MYSELF IN THREE PARTS OF THIS GHOST BIKE MOVIE THE FIRST PART WAS THE USSUMPTION THAT THIS WAS GONNA BE THE STUPIDIST THING GOING, AND I WAS GETTING CAUGHT ON LOSING MY OWN TIME watching it.THE SECOND PART WAS THE ACTUAL UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE WHOLE THING AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR.I FOUND THE WHOLE CONCEPT PRETTY COOL WITH THE ART AND DRAMA OF IT ALL. AND THE THIRD PART WAS THAT I REALLY LIKED IT: FOUND MYSELF WRITING ABOUT IT. AND ONLY TO FIND ANOTHER MORON TALKING ABOUT RUNNING MORE PEOPLE DOWN WATCH OUT YOU DON T BECOME A GHOST CAR . WHHHHOOOooooooooooooo cool flick !

Posted 11/13/10 by tegritty

Very moving...but agree totally with Silent Prolix. And we all need to be gentle with each other. Many cyclists are very hard on pedestrians! New York cyclists need a lot more education/enforcement ie; riding wrong ways, on sidewalks,not stopping. San Francisco's mass movement cycling is extreme gross rudeness.

Posted 11/13/10 by Will

That really hits home with me,since I ride a bike about everywhere.Always seem to have a close call or two,fortunately no major accidents yet.I can't help but wonder how many are killed by people that can't put down their cell phones to watch where they're driving.Yes,that is illegal here,but I still see it all the time.

Posted 11/13/10 by Silent Prolix

Incredible waste of a valuble transportation resources for the poor or under employed, since gasoline prices are again on the rise here is a no carbon footprint way to make good use not clutter and ultimately create trash. In this current ecomomic climate beauty would be charity and use of this resource.

Posted 11/13/10 by just one mom

I think it is an important thing to commemorate someone in this way because the community will see that there needs to be a safe and seperate lane for cyclists to travel on and hopefully something will be done about it! The roads now being put into construction should be made a bit wider for this. This will promate cycling for people who may not have considered it a viable means of transportation for not only excersize but for everyday commuting to work, grocery shopping and socializing generally. Great for the environment, health, and happiness to individuals and trickle up to the community as a whole! Health costs will go down, taxes then will go down for lots of reasons. We should have wider sidewalks for communiting, for pedestrians, roller bladers, skateboarders etc... We need to catch up with Europe and California etc... Just look at Davis City California! Live the Life you dreamed! Happiness to all! TTFN :)

Posted 11/13/10 by lilly

i love riding my bike i have been riding my bike since i was a kid, i have a cruiser bike, meaning 1 speed. i don't ride in the street, never have, i know i can get a ticket for riding on the side walk, i don't care. i know for my self that there are MANY cars in the street and it doesn't seem smart or responsible to even think it's wise to try to keep up with traffic or think it's a good idea to ride with cars AND trucks AND buses. i live in chicago as well and at no time do i believe it's safe to ride with the cars, trucks, semi's and buses in the street. give me the ticket copper. it's not wise on any level at any time to ride in the street with the above mentioned. the drivers have all the other things to be distracted with and it would be ME that would be selfish to think A that they should see me, B that i should have MY share of the road LOL yay okaaaay!! i can't keep up!! DUH!!! stay outta the streets. use your brains, it is dangerous. you wern't allowed to ride your bike in the street when you were a kid why do you think it's safe now?

Posted 11/13/10 by Katherine Martin

Wow this film really hits home for me My sister is a cyclist in the mid-west and I worry for her safety every time she tells me of her ordeals with people in cars. I find this to be an eye opener for all of us that think cars rule the road. I find ir sad that so many people have to loss their lives because we have lost our ability to share the road. Whats next running over people in cross walks because they maybe moving to slow. Here in Washington we have mamorials and Do Not Drink and Drive sign in memory of people that have lost their lives while driving I believe these bikes are very nessary not only to raise our awaerness but to also remind us how fragile our lives really our. I hope to never see a guost bike in my neighborhood but if someone losses their life while riding I hope their family and friends have the courage to have one put in the spot. God Bless and please share the road.

Posted 11/13/10 by Don

In 1989 in London England I was walking down a narrow street not too far from the Big Ben, Parliment area and I came across a bike chained to a fence. It looked like it had been there since WW2. While it was not white, it was covered with rust, the tires had rotted off, what was left of the tires was hanging in pieces from the rims. Even the lock and chain looke like it had been there for 40 or 50 years. I remember thinking at the time that perhaps it was the bike of a son who went off to war and never came back, and the family could not bear to remove it. This ghost bike story brought back that memory, sad then, sad now.

Posted 11/13/10 by Shock

More like astro turf..This is what u idiots get for riding bikes on small high traffic 60 mile an hour roads and highways that u have no business being on ie where i live... I know ill probably run one of u over mostly likely by accident but id rather do it on purpose

Posted 11/13/10 by Stradaracer

I drive a car, ride a motorcycle as well as a bicycle. The worst drivers I've seen are first: car drivers. What's amazing is that car drivers have to take a written and driving test and I couldn't count the number of times I've seen them going through stop signs, cutting each other off, speeding, tail gating, and not even paying attention (like the young lady who almost hit me as she travelled straight across 2 lanes of traffic). The aggression car drivers show to one another, to motorcyclists and to bicyclists is staggering. And, YES, bicyclists SHOULD have a written and drivers test. As a bicyclist it's embarassing to me that someone who drives a car has little concept on how to ride a bicycle. I race bicycles and racers who haved raced more than a couple years (read: gained the skills) are not the problem. They handle their bicycle efficiently and understand the rules of the road. The issue is the other 99% of the bicyclists who can't ride a straight line, don't know how to turn a corner, run stop sign and red lights, etc. etc. And just because you see a group of cyclists, don't assume they're racers. I ride in a big group and we're forever telling the less experienced riders what to do....like hold your line, stop at stop signs/lights, etc. So, Yes, it is time for bicyclists to get licensed. It's also time for you car drivers to understand you don't own the road, pay attention and calm down (aggressive driving is out of hand).... and that motorcyclists and bicyclists have rights as well. A little respect for each other can go a long way.

Posted 11/13/10 by Skipper

The film was of such poor quality that although I viewed it twice with the volume cranked all the way up in a quiet house, I could not get enough of the words to know what was being said about the white bikes. I got it by viewing the comments. If you want to make a point, it should be heard.

Posted 11/13/10 by Julia S

I find this to be a beautiful way to let the loved ones of those killed while biking morn thier death. There is alot of negative comments on here....why are so many people so miserable? Can no one just see this video for what it is? Just because you do not want to share the road with a biker does not give you the right to find it humorous or "I told you so" when one is hit by a car and dies. I also want to point out that when you use such ignorant fowl language no one cares what you think...if you have an opinion try saying it without having to use symbols where your swear words should be and someone may actually take your opinion into account. Also I am very sorry for all of you that may have losted a loved one to a ignorant person who can not obey traffic laws and share the road with a biker and I welcome the ghost bike to be put up to help remind all of us that this is an ongoing problem and we all should take a moment to morn the loss of a fellow human being just trying to live thier life. A little more love can go a long way, maybe even help some of these very disturbed and negative people on this comment board.

Posted 11/13/10 by Chicago

In reading more of the comments, what's with all this hatred for Pick Up trucks? My aforementioned boyfriend who is a bike rider is also an owner of a pick up..... ??? Why the animosity?

Posted 11/13/10 by moss

This topic makes me mad to see how many deaths happened.I have read the comments that are sying that they rule the road or cyclist go on the wrong side of the road.I admit that is wrong but they did`nt die because of them it somebody else and you know it.Cyclist don`t wake up in the morning saying their going to die other people did it.occultist333 you act like it`s there fault they didn`t decide and if you were grown up and realize that car drivers cause this problem and safety gears dosen`t save your life what a helmet pads and thats it come on before you say anything you should think about it first.

Posted 11/13/10 by Chicago

I live in Chicago, and bike riders here plain ignore the road laws or are ignorant of the fact that they have to obey the same rules as a motorcycle. My boyfriend rides his bike around, but has owned a motorcycle, so thankfully he is more aware of his surroundings. I won't sit on a bike on a city street because I WILL get hit. I can't count the number of times I've seen bikers run red lights and almost get hit by traffic, OR almost run me over as I'm walking across the street on MY green. Pedestrians are in almost as much danger - or more - from the bikers. I've lived in NYC and at least there are fewer bikers on the streets there. But watch where you walk, or they WILL run you over. Everyone needs to be more aware of their surroundings and more careful of others.

Posted 11/13/10 by dennis

Perhaps we should require a bicycle rider's operating license, including a written and riding test. I'm sure that would reduce the number of white bikes out there.

Posted 11/13/10 by Elizabeth

Attachment......If someone stole them....the handles would be rusted,

Posted 11/13/10 by Karin Fields

Haunting...beautiful...sad...heartwarming

Posted 11/13/10 by AlaskanGirl47

So many angry drivers against people who ride bikes. I agree they need to be extremely cautious and give people with huge amounts of metal around them the right of way. It takes more thought when your on a bike to get somewhere than sitting behind a wheel that goes 70mph easily. I sit behind a wheel mostly but had my 3 yrs of biking everywhere. I have had a bike accident in the middle of traffic and broke 2 ribs...and almost hit someone on a bike behind the wheel. Both scenerios involve HUMAN BEINGS who are just trying to get places. Whatever role is played I really believe Ghost bikes send a message to remember to LOOK out for bicyclists and to those on here who have huge anger issues projected onto people who ride bikes. You could be easily stereotyped and have people tear you apart for something too. If you don't get that then your brain is not really functioning. The higher road is too have compassion.

Posted 11/13/10 by Elizabeth

Hmmm..maybe I'm nut's.....at the begining the bike doesn't have any grips.....then he paints them on.....

Posted 11/13/10 by Jaymie

It is sad that this happen but it isn't bicyclists that are hit. I been running for 12 years and I've almost been hit by a careless driver at least 4 times. Most of the time it is people turning right that don't look to the right, they are only focused on the left. People in cars need to be aware of their surroundings for all bikers, runners, and pedestrians.

Posted 11/13/10 by dennis

I live in Kingwood, TX where every Saturday or Sunday, I see packs of bike riders, 4 and 5 across blocking lanes of traffic while the adjacent bike path goes unoccupied. It's certainly sad that so many bikers get knocked off their bikes by cars, but many bikers ride like they have a death wish. I ride a bike myself and I use the bike paths that were specially built for that purpose,,,we have 56 miles of them in this town. Baba Booey to you all.

Posted 11/13/10 by obxsalvo

Ref. to. (Posted 11/13/10 by Thomas Sneddon) May the next white bike be yours XOXOX

Posted 11/13/10 by obxsalvo

The only people that 90% of bike riders don't piss off is those bike riders. Riding 3, 4 wide on a single lane, hilly, curvy non shoulder road ( with posted speed limit of 50 MPH ) with no intentions of moving to let the traffic by is asking for an event. When humans use poor judgment bad things happens. " I just saying "

Posted 11/13/10 by bc8320

This is just another case of "special rights" being assumed by a particular class of people. If we posted a memorial everywhere someone died, the country would be nothing but one big cemetary. I feel bad for the families and friends that have lost someone in a bike accident, but why should they have "special memorial" in a public place when some other poor soul kealed over from a heart attack just 2 blocks away. What is it that elevates their particular trajedy above everyone elses? These kinds of memorials belong in cemetary or a special place set aside in public park.

Posted 11/13/10 by Thomas Sneddon

Jan, Most bike riders are arrogant??Most DRIVERS are not only ignorant to the rules of the road,but also too oblivious to what's going on around them due to c**ksuckers like you,who can't GO ANYWHERE without jerking off on the cell phone & text messaging. If you where to put your fat sagging *ss on a bike & cruise through any highly populated area,you would see how little regard drivers have for human life. Motherf**kers like you roll though stop signs,think they own the right to make a right turn on a green light right in front of a cyclist and cut them off,step on the gas & honk their horns & scream out the window to intimidate cyclists & smash into cyclists & take off,because there too much of a p*ssy to face the consequences. Yes there are a few jack-*ss cyclists out there who wander all over the road & ride on the wrong side of the road,but the amount of reckless drivers out there are staggeringly high. A RECENT NATIONWIDE SURVEY WAS DONE,INVOLVING DRIVERS TO RE-TAKE THEIR DRIVING TESTS AND THESE TESTS REVEALED THAT 1 OUT OF EVERY 5 DRIVERS FAILED THEIR DRIVING TESTS BECAUSE THESE BLEEDING F**KING IMBECILES LIKE YOU,DON'T KNOW HALF OF THE RULES OF THE ROAD.

Posted 11/13/10 by occultist333

#### hippies and their bikes. if they didnt act as though they OWN the road they wouldnt get hit. grow up people . things die. your friends were studpid and didnt wear correct safety gear,obey the laws of the road or they were just too busy eating granola to watch the #### out. they brough this on themselves. i cant wait to see another ghost bike. im going to steal it and fix it up. ######s.

Posted 11/13/10 by Kendra

It is always very sad when someone is killed . But why do cyclists feel the need to ride on narrow, dangerous roads. Why not stay on roads with bike lanes or mt. biking where there are no cars. Move over stay out of the way of motor vehicles.

Posted 11/13/10 by Cher

I think there would be less deaths to cyclist if the cities required proper bike paths. This ghost bike is making a statement and is a reminder to share the road and hopefully it will encourage cities to required proper bike paths. I enjoy riding my bike. I wish I could ride my bike everywhere but it is a challenege due to only a few bike paths. At least Virginia Beach has a few bike paths, but there needs to be more. Before I started riding my bike, I as a driver never worried much about cyclist, but I am very aware of people riding bikes now

Posted 11/13/10 by mike

Respect is not taught. Respect is like common sence. You either have it or you dont. If you respect the person next to you , whether he is on a bicycle , a car , a jogging trail, or a horse, you will give them the space they need. I have seen idiots in cars , bicycles, and in the White House. Some care about thier fellow man, some dont. Maybe the White bicycles will get a message to the White House and they will start making real bike lanes available to byciclist all over America, instead of these 2 ft. wide death traps we have in Texas. I have ridden in several states. the worst by far is Texas. It must be the Yeehaa attitude. The best is California. They actually treated me like i was in a car, not on a bicycle. Of course, no matter where you ride, there will always be good and bad people. This article is about PEOPLE that have lost thier lives . Not about white bicycles. STOP THE HATE WORLD WIDE!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 11/13/10 by Urbanecyclist

What an interesting array of reactions to this harmless and poignant urban art project intended to visually display a record of those who have perished doing something that is economical, has virtually no negative environmental impact and is "supposed to be" healthy. We have the knee-jerk jerks who cannot get beyong their own self-centered perspective to those who were deeply touched by these subtle images and the message they portray. This may come as a shock to some, but cyclist are completely vulnerable on the road. Not just to the elements, road hazards and construction detours. You are in your little cacoon of safety while distracted by your digital readouts, cell phones, GPS unit talking to you, kids screaming in the back seat who want to see a different cartoon. We are not surrounded by all that sheet metal that protects the motorist. What could be a minor scratch for two vehicles could result in a crippling injury or death to a cyclist. I have cycled many thousands of miles in urban and rural settings for over three decades. Generally I have found that the more visible you are, the safer you are likely to be. The sooner drivers see you, the better your chances of not being a surprise to the pre-occupied motorist. Depending on the state you live in, there are different rules of the road for cyclists. Some require that you are treated by motorists as if you were a car. In the northeast roads are not well-engineered for cyclists. No lanes, no shoulder, no nuthin'. Damaged roads are tough for your 3000 lb car with it's huge tires to negotiate. Imagine how tough it is on a bicycle with no suspension and 100PSI of pressure in the tires. There is that small minority who have a really weird reaction to cyclists. They seem terribly threatened by us. They throw crap out the window at you (in my personal experience; ice cubes, coffee, firecrackers, and footwear and some scream at the top of their lungs for no reason; They cut you off when there is lots of room, take close swipes at you with their cars (often pick-up trucks) and seem really threatened when a cycists can keep pace with them in traffic. They drive you into parked cars or blast ahead to cut you off at the next intersection. Most drivers (probably over 95%) are attentive and do not hassle cyclists. Some actually accommodate us too much by veering well into the lane of on-coming traffic when it is not necessary. We don't want others to be put in harms way, just to be safe.

Posted 11/13/10 by Freddie Redondo

As long as there are ignorant motorists and cyclist ther will be deaths of the latter.

Posted 11/13/10 by Gary

Between the ribbons, crosses, wrist bands, white bikes, we're becoming a nation dripping with emotion and lacking in sense and reason. True, occasionally a driver does something stupid that a bicycle rider pays for, but in the DC area I can attest for each of these, I see 10 arrogant bicyle riders making lefts across traffic, weaving in and out of autos (stay right guys), stopping in the road and on and on. I have little compassion for them.

Posted 11/13/10 by E.Donovan

The white bike is always a reminder of the tragic and unnecessary death of Dr. Henry Nacht........He was riding on a city BIKE PATH, when carelessly hit by an ignorant driver of a PICK_UP truck who crossed the bike path without looking. Henry might not have died if another pick-up truck had not been illegally parked by another ignorant driver under a sign that said"Do not park here". Henry landed into the back of that parked truck ,loaded with pick-up equipment,and that killed him!.........Dr. Nacht was a brilliant,kind,husband,father,carer of people.The white bike to me means a tragic loss every time I see one.

Posted 11/13/10 by jerry l

The laws are all on the side of the bikers. To the point that they have bcome nauseatingly arrogant. I think these eyesores need to be removed and hack-sawed.

Posted 11/13/10 by Mike

I always laugh when someone refers to "spreading awareness". What you're spreading is the negativity of a tragic event and that's not a "message". It's social pollution.

Posted 11/13/10 by Jose Zaragoza

the more ghost bikes out there the more drivers will be aware of cyclist.A sport and pass timer that has become dangerous and not as much fun

Posted 11/13/10 by Jan

Most bike riders are arrogant and think they have the right to be anywhere they want on the road, and everyone else is supposed watch for them. I have a friend who hit a biker rider because the bike rider decided it would be funny to taunt the driver. He made a fatal mistake. The laws protect the ignorant rider and not the driver. I agree with the previous commenter who stated money would be better spent teaching biker riders rules of the road. Also...are we now going to see white bike memorials everywhere like crosses marking the spot of a person's death? That's a practice that needs to stop.

Posted 11/13/10 by Renee

A total waste of time and effort. Another 'artsy fartsy' project. Eventually they will have to be picked up and disposed of paid for by the city. It's not even a good paint job! Ever hear of a SPRAY Gun? They should get tickets for littering! Clean the bikes up and ship them to needy children in 3rd world countries!

Posted 11/13/10 by Daria

Bottom line is motorists need to slow down. Too many are in too big of a hurry to go nowhere. Speeders never save any time and ultimately creat a dangerous situation for everyone around them.

Posted 11/13/10 by Cal

I have driven cross country and seen hundreds of crosses left as memorials for the dead. We have cemetaries for this. We need to teach people to be more careful about bicyclists. I am sick of driving by bicyclists and runners listening to iPods while swerving into traffic. The rule is: bikes ride WITH traffic and walkers and runners MOVE TOWARDS traffic. If you must use an iPod, go off road ! For heaven's sake, STOP putting your safety in the hands of drivers busy holding coffee, texting, phoning, and applying makeup. In 2 minutes I just taught you something that none of those white bicycles did.

Posted 11/13/10 by MacG

I love bicycles. I grew up riding bikes and it's something that has been somewhat lost to children of today, sadly due to the computer and electronic era. My problem is the riders that think the streets were made for bicycles. Many idiots put their lives at risk because they are too stupid to ride in the appropriate places. Streets are for motorized vehicles unless otherwise posted. Today there are parks and trails everywhere for bicycles. If you ride in the streets on a bicycle you are a dumbass and that goes for the runners also. Get out of the #### streets fools!

Posted 11/13/10 by snow

a classmate of one of my children was riding down a hill with a friend of his years ago, they were unable to see the car coming when the first rider went across, he was okay...the second was hit because he could not see her in time, because of the blinding sun, but she also did not see him in time to stop...he was killed. people need to be very careful when driving in cars as well as bike riders who ride bicycles.

Posted 11/13/10 by Kim

In my town I have seen pink and orange bikes just like this white bike chained up in various locations. They are very interesting and I wondered what this was all about. However I have not seen a white yet.

Posted 11/13/10 by Cindy

Based on my encounters with bike riders, money would be better spend teaching safty than constructing memorials. I"m seeing more and more kids talking on cell phones will bike ridding. Has anyone addressed this?

Posted 11/13/10 by Kari

One of these was left for My brother in Brooklyn. I finally know how it got there.

Posted 11/13/10 by Elsa

I do not have any negative comments about the white bikes. However in less than one week 12 times careless individuals riding bikes darted in front of my car failing to realize cars cannot stop so quickly. One of those twelve times a guy on a bike riding under the rain darted in front of the vehicle behind me, the guy honked his horn at him. His reaction? HE PUNCHED MY WINDOW! We almost all had a major accident. Bikers need to be more careful, all drivers are not arrogant and careless but many are facing bicycle riders who clearly need to understand how to share. I truly think that road rage is rampant among everyone not just car drivers.

Posted 11/13/10 by RecoveryTTA

That is very moving, i can see the higher message with them. The way that society is now, is all about cars, how quick we can get there. I guess with that always on our minds, no one realises that people are still riding bikes. Bikes were here before cars were in sence after the wheel was created. Now in cities, bikes are such a high form for exercise or for business mail or package transportation. We forget that these people are out there, and its dangerous for them with weather conditions, and cars now on the road. This is a great way to keep those people alive and remember in such a art form that makes people stop and think. And really look at the bike, why its white, and just left there. After a while rust will begin to form as a sign of abandonment and to show that this was someones property. Think this a great art statement and moral as well. Thank You for the contrabution.

Posted 11/13/10 by thimk about it

what would happen if those ghost bikes didnt have chikdren or people to ride them with everything going on,and the wars it doesnt matter who we are or where from ,,,,this world shoud look on our chilren and think what chose do they have,,,,,www

Posted 11/13/10 by david

It makes just as much sense for them to be on the sidewalk if you think about it. People walking are going as fast , relativly speaking , as cars to bikes on the road. So why cannot bikes look out for walkers or joggers as they expect motorized vehicles to do for them? In Dallas we just had a jogger killed by a bike on a walking/jogging/bike path! Again roadways are DANGEROUS!!!! Children and animals know this. The adults that insist on riding on them are not that smart. While sad some are killed , it does support Darwins theory, only the smartest , strongest and most fit survive!

Posted 11/13/10 by Li2Co3

As a daily two wheeled commuter, I can not even begin to describe how often occurences that happen due to the average drivers neglect because they're in a hurry, using the cell phone, or did not see "us" and even disgruntled anti-cyclist snipers with malice. I was fortunate to survive two of these sniper attacks. It's true! They do exist. I'm almost certain we will be seeing more of these "Ghost Bikes", due to the lack of competence while behind the wheel. After all, if common sense is so common... then why don't more people have it ?

Posted 11/13/10 by Vet

Sad very Sad... there is nothing poetic about getting killed on a bicycle, raising the awareness without actually having solutions always seems to be thought of as "art". I constantly am amazed at the cyclist who appears to be unconscious of his surroundings yet continues to gamble with his life every time he gets on the seat. The rural roads that are used by riders were not designed for cyclist or joggers. Why are people surprised when an accident happens ? It is almost as if adults are playing in the road and are surprised when something tragic occurs ? When I ride a bicycle I ride it in an area designed for bicycles, or a park or cycle trail that is without the risk of being run over by a car. Maybe we can start painting white cardboard boxes for the homeless vets that dies living on the street, he is the reason you can ride your bike !!!

Posted 11/13/10 by jason

Joe...and the others who say bikes should be on the sidewalk...think about that for a sec...its a side WALK...meant for WALKING on...bikes are not allowed on sidewalks in most cities these days due to it being a moving VEHICLE on a pedestrian way...hence they are on the ROAD just like any other moving vehicle....we all need to share the road. I dont even ride bicycles, but I do ride motorcycles and CAR drivers are the worst at paying attention to their surroundings. 99% of the time its the car drivers fault because they are supposed to be aware and be looking for things around them....and really....the bike is normally in front of the car in the first place otherwise they wouldnt be hit by them....seeing as a biker cannot see behind them unless the have a mirror, and the car can see in front of them...as far as im concerned...its the cars responsibility to LOOK WHERE THEY ARE GOING. ALL VEHICLES MUST SHARE THE ROAD AND OBEY THE LAWS OF THE ROAD. THIS MEANS NO CELLPHONES OR TEXTING OR DIGGIN IN THE BACKSEAT OR REACHING FOR A CD OR WHATEVER....PAY ATTENTION. YOU'RE DRIVING A 2000LB WEAPON.

Posted 11/13/10 by jim

I would say that 99.9 percent of them will be stolen before I close this message out.

Posted 11/13/10 by David

I am not against riders.And I certainly to not suggest that all bike deaths are the riders fault. But most of the ones I see do not obey rules of the road. They do not stop at stop signs or lights. They ride on roads that have only enough room for two cars to pass, or on roads with high speed limits and limited room in lanes. Common sense does not seem to be many of these peoples strongpoint.I have seen them on roads that I would never even consider riding a bike on, I know I can be killed! Just as people jaywalk and walk in the roadway and get run over. The roads are paid for and maintalned by gasoline taxes, registrations ect. I would propose that anyone riding a bike on a roadway pay a registration fee to do so. $ 50 - $75 per year and require a plate be visible . This would generate some money to provide a seperate area of roadway in areas of high bike traffic. Just because you can do something or believe you have the right does not make it wise to do so.

Posted 11/13/10 by chris

its nothing more than polution ....they are disgusting

Posted 11/13/10 by Tracey

I think it is really sad to know that people behind a car wheel have the capability and brain intelligence to pass their driving test as well as the written one to then obtain a driver's license, yet still disobey basic road rules and expectations when sharing the road with cyclists; Car drivers veering into the bike lanes, driving too close by a road cyclist, cutting them off, whether accidentally or intentionally (which those who are like this will never confess anyways...). I was hit by a car driver myself two years ago. My cycling? It has never been the same since. I recently decided to give up my road cycling due to the regular witnessing of car drivers who cannot pay attention all that they need to as being a car driver. After my bike accident, I almost got hit by careless and unattentive car drivers more than 3 times since the major bike accident which sent me to the hospital. Car drivers IMO, 100% abuse their driving privileges and some of them drive their car with the showing the intent to kill.

Posted 11/13/10 by Ray

Another thing that can help bikers is there are still many stores that do not have bike racks. the investment is not that great, and would draw custumers that do not stop because of it.

Posted 11/13/10 by ogram

I SURE hope that they are not getting money form the "government" for this weird project> What is next? Empty houses painted white for the lost of children....or maybe we could paint all abortion clinics white....or all AK47s white. MOST cyclist are arrogant snobs. Who more and likely drove out in front of a car OR ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD>>> When you are on a bike....YOU ARE THE MOTOR, AND YOU NEED TO ADHERE TO the "ROAD RULES ALSO" Thank-you

Posted 11/13/10 by meli

I think this was a great idea for awareness! I ride my bike to work and other places because I have had to. A lot of people were hit hard be the economy change these last few years. Some of us just can't swing a car payment of 300 a month for 5 or so years at this time, therefore the bike. I follow the rules of the road and do not ride in front of cars etc. For those of you who are fortunate enough to have a car...be thankful that you have one and PLEASE give us bike riders a break!

Posted 11/13/10 by Paulo

@joe same goes for you. If you were the least bit "not" ignorant, you would know that sidewalks are strictly for pedestrians. And that a bicycle is technically a vehicle. So it does belong on a road. So I suggest the irresponsible drivers move over and get a grip.

Posted 11/13/10 by Paulo

@lisa its because of people like you that this film was made. Drivers don't care and don't want to share the road. It's very selfish, considering you are probably not a cyclist after that comment. I happen to be one, and have had a few close calls myself. Hopefully the appearance of the ghost bikes diminishes, showing that the number of cyclists killed also decreases.

Posted 11/13/10 by Joe

Could I get that 5 min of my life back? Roads are for cars, stay on a sidewalk!!

Posted 11/13/10 by Tom

ok, the tab for "Film Details" explain the rules of the Documentary competition, NOT the ghost bike film. sorry, time to move on to something else....

Posted 11/13/10 by greg

we need individual bike trails/ reclaim all rr right of ways throughout the country and build them now!

Posted 11/13/10 by lisa

I live in a rural area and in my opinion, bicycles don't belong on the roads...period. Oh and MOVE OVER!!!!!

Posted 11/13/10 by John T

Hi I loved your film, and the haunting narrative just made it more intense. Good job all around. I have 3 or 4 bikes in my garage my children used in the 60 ties and 70 ties, I'm going to paint one and chain it up in front of my house and see if it gets any reaction. Ill keep you posted. Thanks for a thinking piece . John T Franklin Ma PS I think I'll paint 2 bikes and put one at each end of my property, one white, one black just to see what happens . JT

Posted 11/13/10 by CBG

Looking at most of these comment it seems that most people do not get the true message of the film. Yes the blank screen in the beginning was a waste of time but probably made sense to the videographer. Maybe a tribute to those who lost their lives? I have been a commuter on my bicycle since 1991 and have had minimal problems. I put over 10,000 miles a year on my bicycle. On occasion a few distracted drivers have come close, some on purpose. But the end result is that I ride smart and don't let the almost in the situation get to me. The ghost bike to me is a symbol for cyclist's and nothing more. Motorists and pedestrians won't get it. Maybe they will if this film gets some media attention? Well, I hope this comment is a positive one and I like the true basis of the film. I have lost two friends due to distracted drivers and hope I do not lose more. Peace. Oh, hang up and drive!!

Posted 11/13/10 by nita

To you idiots that wrote negative thoughts here------have you ever riden a bike-----sorry if you haven't. BUT this wasn't a slam to the cyclist -- it was just letting you know that these thing happen.

Posted 11/13/10 by TONY

In Response 2 JC- I Ofcourse agree with anyone! Its sad when any innocent Animal period has to lose their life...No matter if its a Human,Dog,Cat,Dolphin,,etc..etc Now With that said i have to Disagree with you! I Myself live in Florida and have lived all over the state and there is one thing in common! No body can drive! It is alot worst in Miami being half the people there cant even read street signs!CALM DOWN! I am cuban and half of my family lives in miami! Alot of these riders do EVERYTHING right! They still get hit and killed! There are few who dont follow certain rules and other who may assume the they will split traffic like the red sea! Bottom line is Bikers do not get enough Respect on the streets! Alot of These cities are too lasy to paint a Bike lane... Thats why i stopped riding urbun and went to the woods. That is also the reason I owner my Brand New 2009 Suzuki GXR 1000 for 3 months... I had so many close encounters that where a tad too close for my liking! But The Ghost Bike Really is such a sad beautiful thing! LETS SPREAD THE WORD VIA SOCIAL MEDIA AND GET THE MESSAGE OUT THERE!

Posted 11/13/10 by Micky Curry

I don't like it. There are makeshift memorials all over the place remembering deaths for many different reasons mostly accidents. In my opinion the fact that there are so many it minimizes the deaths and turns the streets into one giant memorial.

Posted 11/13/10 by Tina

maybe if cyclers would not pretend they are cars they wouldn't wind up dead stupid ####s

Posted 11/13/10 by DavidB

Bikes are great...in some areas. I've lived in major cities and small towns. I've been attacked and my bike stolen from me while stopped at a stop sign twice, and attacked by dogs on numerous occasions. Bikes are great for exercise and as a hobby, but as useful transportation, they are slow, impractical and can be dangerous.

Posted 11/13/10 by JOHN

Maybe it's time people woke up to the problem of bikes in some areas.There's barely enough room for trafic and there's alway's some clown on a bike that wants to hold up traffic and to go with it he or she has an attitude to go with it.Nobody desurves to get hurt because of stupidity but cyclists have think about more than how much they're saving themselves and the planet when they won't give room for traffic to get by.

Posted 11/13/10 by jef

Sad, but a stupid 30 seconds intro of black wastes time. many Will just skip video. I should have.

Posted 11/13/10 by Paul

I live in a small town with winding roads and fewer cars compared to nearby towns. We are very popular with cyclists and sometimes they ride in groups of over ten people. It is not always possible to get by them because they double up and make me cross over the line to get by. To blow my horn is my last resort, but I have to admit I do get frustrated. I do not believe that some people on bikes are aware of how dangerously they are riding. While the deaths are sad, I know first hand the other side of the story by experience.

Posted 11/13/10 by JC

It is sad...and I think a nice idea.... Tragic when anyone loses their life I love cycling, but also drive in Florida, and am shocked by the fact that cyclists tend not to follow rules of the road. Often running red lights and swarming all over the road, so no surprise accidents occur. Cycling on the road does not relieve you of all responsibility as it relates to safety. You too need to follow the law. In Florida at least it seems many cyclists dont... JC

Posted 10/26/10 by Lisa

It is sad that bicyclists lose their lives eveyday. However I think these bikes could be put to better use for the needy. Example: Providing bicycles for the poor children and/or adults in developing countries so that they may get to work or school

Posted 08/09/10 by Calamity

Just a knock off of the Yellow bike. Not impressive. Yawn.

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