she had no idea she was going to die that day
it doesn't matter that i didn't know her or any of the countless others. we are them. they are us. it's always felt like an extended family to me. we who ride bikes. no matter the circumstances, when i hear biker down - it makes me pause. stop. feel sick to my stomach. for someone that was out doing something they were passionate about or it was their transportation or their job or just a way to be outside.
this photo is a ghost bike installation by visual resistance. i think i have seen one or two ghost bike memorials here in austin. i don't want to see more. but, i do agree they are important statements to the public and community in support of bikers rights to safe travel on the roadways.
we all take risks. i take my share. just getting on and riding a bike is a risk. shit taking a shower can be risky. these things are going to happen. but maybe awareness and remembrance can help...i dunno really. i just know it always makes my heart feel heavy.
the ride of silence is coming up: may 17.
posted by megan | 4/18/2006 12:28:00 AM
7 Comments:
whelp.
Wow. I feel for whoever child/sister/friend this was. I hope one day cycling will be viewed a bit more serious by motorist.
arleigh is right
people in cars need to learn that those of us on bicycles are people as well
not just people
but someones child
maybe someone's brother
or maybe someone's parent
many lives have been changed
it is dangerous
there are risks
but... so much of the behavior of the car drivers unneccesary
the fast and close passing
and definitely the effort of the car driver to teach the cyclist a lesson
sorry about your friend
I think that the ghost bike is a beautiful message
and hopefully a reminder that we all must be careful
us on the bike
and
those in the cars
my childhood soccer coach's wife was killed in a cycling accident
this was years after I had been coached by her husband
but I knew her and still saw her around
was amazed by her cycling achievements
the story of her loss is tragic
the details are not clear
but
I will simplify the story by saying a car driver was messing with the cyclists out training on the road
her eldest daughter made a documentary about it
it is a touching story
JUDY'S TIME: The Judy Flannery Story
it makes me sad just to think about
This makes me sad. It's a lovely post megan.
They're words that every rider dreads, especially with family that ride. Somehow we feel that we're less mortal than our riding partners, "it'll never happen to me".
Damn.
Hope the ghost bike will make drivers think.
Condolences to the family of Brandie Bailey.
thanks all for your comments. and i'm sorry about your friend gwad. none of this is easy when these things happen. i guess we ride on and always remember...
quoting gwadzilla: the revolution will not be motorized.
These news bring me down. Cyckling is not just a sport, it's a way of life. These people never hurt anyone, still they die.
Everytime I start my Honda, i remember these people who gave their lives and I feel ashamed for this shit. If you have a car, please think first those who don't have one. Remeber the way you measure the degree of sivilization. Life is a bitch and this world is a hell, but you're between that hell and the people. Keep that in mind!
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