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Nottingham ‘ghost bike’ to be removed – may be replaced by permanent memorial

White bike was placed in tribute to cyclist Louise Wright who was killed in July

The BBC report that Nottingham City Council are to remove a ‘ghost bike’ placed in memory of Louise Wright, a cyclist who died after being hit by a lorry in the city centre in July. It is felt that the white-painted bike risks being an obstruction to pedestrians and a distraction to drivers. The council have spoken to Wright’s family and partner about the possibility of building a permanent memorial to her instead.

Wright was killed while riding in rush hour traffic on Lower Parliament Street where the bike is now attached to a lamp post. Speaking shortly after it appeared, Wright’s partner, James Faulkner, said:

"We still don't know the circumstances of the accident yet, but I hope that the ghost bike will help raise awareness of cyclists on the roads. If it can help prevent any future accidents, then it will have served a purpose and could help save a life."

Ghost bikes are both a tribute to the deceased and also a means of highlighting the dangers of the roads. The trend began in the United States but is becoming increasingly common in the UK.

However, there are mixed feelings surrounding them. Last year, Hackney council demanded the removal of a ghost bike chained to railings, while The Guardian has asked whether they might give the impression that cycling is more dangerous than it really is.

Nottingham City Council has spoken to Wright’s family about removal of the bike and suggested instead a permanent memorial close to proposed cycling facilities near where the accident happened.

The council has said that the owner of the bike has a month to collect it before it is removed.

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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4 comments

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Airzound | 10 years ago
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"The trend began in the United States but is becoming increasingly common in the UK."

This because more cyclists are being killed. Durr!

RIP.

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andy_schweiz | 10 years ago
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White or Wright? Louise Wright...White’s family...Wright was killed...White’s partner...Wright’s family!!

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Alex Bowden replied to andy_schweiz | 10 years ago
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Thanks for that. I've made corrections and the names should all be Wright now.

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philly | 10 years ago
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It's a shame such a thing has to exist but ghost bikes are a brilliant and fitting 'urban' tribute under such incredibly traumatic circumstances. They speak volumes to the cycling community at no real cost to anyone. Chapeau to Nottingham for making the effort of talking to the victim's family and I hope the memorial is as poignant.

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