Portland Ghost Bikes
Click on the first photo to begin the slideshow.
The Provo movement adopted white bicycles to protest harsh transportation conditions in Amsterdam, which layed the foundation for the ghost bike's advocacy future. Problogic. “PROVOking the Birth of Bike Sharing.” Panethos. Accessed August 4, 2015. https://panethos.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/provoking-the-birth-of-bike-sharing/.
The first documented American ghost bike was occured in St. Louis, when Patrick Van Der Tuin erected a white painted bicycle to memorialize a recent fatal collision. This photo from Portland in 2003 shows Angela Leazenby and Orion Satushek's ghost bikes with austere, impersonal motifs. Jahat. “Angela Leazenby and Orion Satushek - June 25th. 2003.” Flickr - Photo Sharing! Accessed August 4, 2015. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jahat/221547691/.
The ghost bike may change over time, becoming more personal to indicate individual death at the site, evolving from the anonymity of the community mourning motifs. This is the same dual ghost bike shown in 2006. Jahat. “Angela Leazenby and Orion Satushek - June 25th. 2003.” Flickr - Photo Sharing! Accessed August 4, 2015. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jahat/220475801/.
Noah Cardamom's ghost bikes displays several common themes: the community symbols of the white painted bicycle, the advocacy sign and flowers, which are combined with the intimate symbols of the nameplate and dedication poem. Jahat. “Noah Cardamon August 2, 2008.” Flickr - Photo Sharing! Accessed August 4, 2015. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jahat/2727370844/.
Nick Bucher's ghost bike with personal touches during a memorial just after his death on February 6, 2007. Maus, Jonathan. “Ghost Bike - Nick Bucher.” Flickr - Photo Sharing! Accessed August 4, 2015. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeportland/382511843/.
Four days later Nick's Ghost Bike is moved to the crash site. His personal details (photograph and name signage) are removed and replaced with flowers as generalized symbols. This bike was maintained by cycling community members until the family took it over. Jahat. “Nick Bucher February 10, 2007.” Flickr - Photo Sharing! Accessed August 4, 2015. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jahat/387657608/.
This photo from 2008 shows Nick's bike taking on personal details, specifically the flower pot nameplate and the sun washed ribbon with the word SON. Though his family did not erect the initial ghost bike they grew attached to this symbol over time, decorating it during holidays, his birthday and the anniversary of his death. Jahat. “Nick Bucher May 8, 2008.” Flickr - Photo Sharing! Accessed August 4, 2015. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jahat
Boosted by a large community of art school classmates, Tracy Sparling's Ghost Bike was actively decorated and resurrected after multiple acts of vandalism. Tracy's ghost bike quickly took on various symbols, but unique to this photo is a sign that combines the advocacy intent of these memorials with the tragedy of Tracy's premature death. Squid Vicious. “Ghost Bike Memorial.” Flickr - Photo Sharing! Accessed August 4, 2015. https://www.flickr.com/photos/fat_hobo/1557808719/.
Two years later, this version Tracy's bike takes on personal details represented by Hello Kitty, R2DS and cartoon bear figures. The piled flower bouquets are replaced by carefully wrapped flower and leaf vines. chrispyworld. “Tracy Sparling Taken on March 10, 2009.” Flickr - Photo Sharing! Accessed August 4, 2015. https://www.flickr.com/photos/chrispyworld/3346305936/.