Just as flowers and ribbons are placed at the site of an auto crash, there is a tradition/habit amongst cyclists to do the same. Usually what is left in the place is a lone bicycle painted entirely white. These "ghost bikes" as they have been called are left as a reminder to all who pass that bicycle safety is a huge issue in most urban areas.
Even as I ride in designated bike lanes throughout Pasadena, I am still pressured to move to the side by vehicles desiring to travel much faster than I. In LA, the bicycle v. vehicle discussion is ever growing and full of much tension. Several years ago, two cyclists were nearly killed by a driver who cut them off and slammed on his brakes causing the riders to fly head first through his back windshield. The doctor who caused the accident has been charged with a felony of reckless driving to cause injury and and battery. As unfortunate as this incident is, it has brought much awareness to this issue, especially in a city that is so vehicle focused.
People tend to think that is is impossible to live in LA without a car. I would agree that this statement is mostly true when someone lives and works in two different parts of the city that are not easily accessible by public transportation. Fortunately, the intentionality of living and going to school in Pasadena has allowed me to ride my bike nearly every day. I mostly only drive my car on weekends to/from church (which we carpool to in Hollywood so I usually only drive it there every few weeks) and only purchase $10 of gas a week. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not at a place to give up my car entirely but i'd love one day to get there.
1 comment:
Proud of your choices. Please don't make a stand by getting into a bike vs. car confrontation on the street. I haven't seen any ghost bikes. Although I wonder about the long term garbage factor, it seems pretty effective as a statement.
- Lee
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