I am moved by the death or injury of any cyclist (any road user). When it is a child the tragedy seems somehow heightened.
My children all cycle and have done since they were little. All are extant and in good health, but there have been moments when that could have changed in a blink.
I therefore feel slightly awkward saying the following: As a cyclist, as a pedestrian, as a father and as a driver I do not really like the idea of Ghost Bikes.
Few people I know are moved by them or understand the point of them. Few seem to realise that they are located at the spot where a death has been caused.
I do not want to rant and rave about this and hope this post doesn't cause offence.
I do wonder sometimes what these bikes will look like in a year, two years, five years.
As a symbol, Ghost Bikes seem to resonate most with those who see their function and support their use.
They seem to pass by completely those who are unaware of their function.
None of which dries a single tear after a bereavement, but I wonder whether these tragedies might be marked in some other way.
