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GHOST RIDERS: AN ILLUSTRATED TRIBUTE TO CYCLISTS KILLED THROUGH THE YEARS

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY MURRAY

 

You have probably seen ghost bikes around Greater Boston. Memorials to friends and family members who have been killed while riding on two wheels, they are infinitely sad to pass, yet serve as critical reminders about the life and death issue that cycling is for many people.

 

Tragically, there is not a ghost bike for every person we’ve lost. Some never got such a tribute in the first place, while others have been removed or fallen apart through the years. When our esteemed illustrator Murray expressed interest in sketching the remembrances, we chose three that we felt represented some of the most hideous stretches and thoroughfares around. Our hope is that they honor all those who have been impacted by these awful crashes, including those who will not ever get to ride again. –Dig Staff

Dr. Anita Kurmann (Beacon Street @ Mass Ave)

Dr. Anita Kurmann was a well-respected endocrinologist who, on the morning of Aug 7, 2015, was crushed by an 18-wheel truck at what is statistically one of Greater Boston’s most dangerous intersections. According to cycle advocates at MassBike, despite the doctor “doing everything right [and] legally,” no charges were filed against the driver, while “despite repeated requests to the Boston Police Department to review the investigation no progress has been made.” –Dig Staff

 

Joe Lavins (Porter Square)

In October 2016, Joe Lavins was struck and killed by an 18-wheeler while riding from his home in Lexington to the Cambridge biotechnology company where he worked. A week after Lavins was killed, people gathered at the scene not only to mourn him but also to demand safer streets for cyclists. Lavins’ is not the first ghost bike to mark where a life was lost on a Cambridge street, but the well-known danger of this particular square seemed to strike a sharp nerve. –Kylie Obermeier

 

 

Owen McGrory (Sullivan Square)

Owen McGrory, a 34-year-old newlywed at the time, was struck and killed by a garbage truck while riding near Sullivan Square in April 2014. The driver, who dragged his victim down the street before stopping, said he thought he hit a pothole. The Suffolk County DA pursued charges but was unable to convict in the case. –Dig Staff

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