June 6, 2011
Written by MARK S. KRZOS
A group of Lee County mavericks is using
the cover of night to deliver a potent
reminder: Lee County's roads can be
dangerous places for bicyclists.
Over the past two weeks, bicycles painted
white and stripped of their gears and
chains began appearing at three locations
where bicyclists were killed earlier this
year.
Each of the memorials has a red sign with
white stenciled lettering that reads:
"BICYCLIST KILLED" and the date on which
that particular person died.
The bicycles can be found near the Sanibel
Causeway where Fort Myers resident
Tracey Kleinpell died May 7; near "The S
hip" on U.S. 41 where Bonita Springs
resident Kenneth MacDonald died April 17;
and at the intersection of Three Oaks and
Estero parkways where Fort Myers resident
Janet LoFranco died Feb. 20.
Only a handful of people know who is
behind the appearances of the bikes - and
they are keeping quiet.
"They're called 'ghost bikes,'" said Dan
Moser, director of the Florida Bicycle
Association. "They've been around for
about 10 years, but the one near the
causeway was the first one in Lee County."
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The "ghost bike" is a beautiful and meaningful memorial to the cyclist who lost her/his life. It's also a strong reminder to all of us who drive to keep our focus and to be especially cautious when approaching a cyclist whose safety lies in part in our hands.
ReplyDeleteTom Kelly, Ft. Myers