NDH and North Decatur Community Uses Social Media to Start Plans for New Ghost Bike Memorial

Many people in the North Druid Hills and North Decatur communities are shaking their heads. Who would desecrate a memorial that symbolized the lives of people killed by motorists and even served as a reminder to slow down and be a little more cautious?

As the shock and anger of the stolen Ghost Bike and Ghost Chair memorial have worn off slightly, community members have taken to social media to develop ways to reconstruct the memorial.

Already in the Medlock Park Neighbors Facebook group, concerned residents have posted:
"What if we "re-make" the memorial---somthing as simple as everyone that feels passionate about the issue dropping off some flowers in the spot where the ghost bike and the chair once stood."
and "I like the idea everyone of us needs to make a statement to whomever did this, lets bombard this site with R.I.P signs, cards, teddybears, etc."

Dave Mathews, a cycling advocate who creates ghost bike memorials and places them roadside throughout Georgia, used his own bike to create the Ghost Bike memorial for cyclist Paul Taylor, who was struck and killed by a motorist in April 2012. The bike Mathews used was the one he rode himself when he was struck by a motorist and hit his head back in 2010.

"This is a calling for me to raise awareness," Mathews told North Druid Hills Patch. "We're losing the battle."

Mathews said he hoped the Ghost Bike and Ghost Chair memorials reminded drivers to use caution and to be courtesy to cyclists sharing the road.

"If it made people slow down just 5 miles an hour, then we're doing our job," Mathews said.

And it certainly served to do just that.

Residents expressed their disappointment and the importance of the memorial's impact on safety with comments like, "They (the Ghost Bike and Ghost Chair) were good reminders that we all need to be careful out there, for our own sakes and for others."

Another said, "That is terrible. We pass by the corner everyday and my kiddo asks about the ghost bike. I am so disappointed that it was taken down. It was a reminder to me and many to keep my speed in check and to whisper a little prayer for the victims and their families."

Will you help recreate the memorial? What do you think should be done about the Ghost Bike and Ghost Chair memorials? Tell us below in the comments.