Upon returning home to Seattle, our friend came across two ghost bicycles on her ride home from the airport. It turns out there is an amazing group called GhostCycle.org which has been collecting data on car-related bicycle accidents in Seattle since May 26, 2005. Cyclists all across Seattle submitted info on 103 incidents where a moving vehicle had struck them. On August 1, 2005 they installed 40 ghost cycles with plaques reading “CYCLIST STRUCK HERE” where the most numerous and most severe accidents have taken place.
The most powerful aspect of the project is the testimonials from cyclists who survived their accidents. Perhaps sharing the details of these experiences will help identify areas that need to be improved so that the roads will be safer for everyone.
A map on the site shows the locations of the 40 ghost cycles as well as photos of each installation. The site features statistics based on information sent to the site such as percentages of bikers who reported their accidents to the authorities, were obeying traffic laws at the time of the accident, were wearing helmets and using lights when they were struck, and accidents that were hit and runs. The links are also extensive and include bicycle advocacy groups, lawyers, clubs, and memorials to other fallen cyclists. This group is truly an inspiration.
Related: VR’s own Ghost Bike Project.