“Ghost Bike” Memorials Remind Drivers to Share the Road

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 618 bicyclists were killed and another 52,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2010. More than 70 percent of the fatalities occurred in urban locations, 30 percent occurred at road intersections, and more than 50 percent occurred between 4:00 p.m. and midnight. These deaths should not have happened.

Remembering Bicycle Accident Victims

Bicycles are a healthful, economical, and environmentally-friendly way to get around, not to mention being a popular recreational activity for children and adults alike, but there are still many drivers who do not know how to share the road with cyclists, and this often has deadly results.

Wrongful death bicycle accidents are common around the globe, and the worst part of it is that if motor vehicle drivers just took a minute amount of extra care and attention, these accidents may be avoided. In remembrance of the innocent victims who lost their lives and as a reminder to those who still use the road, family members, friends, and sometimes even compassionate strangers have installed “ghost bikes” in memory of bicyclists who have been killed. The bikes are usually spray painted white and are sometimes even beat up to represent the crash. There are hundreds of these bikes in countries across the globe. In Boston, Massachusetts, there are four.

Boston Ghost Bikes

There are currently four ghost bikes in Boston memorializing the victims of fatal bicycle accidents, although one was apparently removed by police after some residents complained. All four victims were 22-years-old when they were killed, although only three died as the result of traffic accidents. The fatal accidents occurred in 2007 (2), 2009, and 2010.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

The death of a loved one is devastating, but it is even more traumatic when they are taken from you without warning in an incident that didn’t have to happen. At the Kiley Law Group, our car accident wrongful death lawyers in Boston, MA recognize how difficult it is to grieve, support your family, and find peace of mind after such a horrible event. We can’t reverse what happened, but we can commit all our knowledge and resources to holding the at-fault party responsible for their negligence in order to obtain the compensation you need to provide your family with the financial support you deserve. With financial security, you can focus on your emotional recovery.

To speak to one of our attorneys about your specific situation, contact us today at (888) 208-1695 for a free consultation of your legal rights and options. Even if you decide not to pursue legal action, it is best to be well-informed of the potential action you could take. With a free consultation, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.