For those who don't know, above is a ghost bike. It is a symbol used by cyclists and advocates to denote the injury or death of a fellow rider.
Jen Futrell was struck earlier this week on Bardstown Road near Grinstead Drive. She is at University Hospital, has been taken off life support and, as of last night, was still fighting (according to postings by her friends on Louisville Hardcore). We'll update this when we find out more. Last night, many of her friends and some family gathered at the site of the ghost bike.
Jen was the first of two cyclists struck by cars this week in this part of the Highlands. In the second case — of a woman run down from behind (like Jen, according to early accounts) on East Broadway — the driver was charged with DUI. That happened last night, apparently while the ghost bike for Jen was being placed. Wow.
I'm not sure how long this ghost bike will remain; in the past two instances where ghost bikes appeared following a cyclist's death, the city removed them post haste. Something about them being in the right of way. I have to think it's more about the chilling message it sends in a city trying really hard to focus on other aspects of cycling. (SG)
3 comments:
Jen and I both had a beer with you, at the BBC on Shelby, Stephen, following a 8664 meeting. I heard her remark that one of the best damn things LEO did was hire you. Keep at it, man.
Yes, I remember. I've been thinking a lot about all the encounters I had with Jen, beginning with that one. There have been several — mostly late night, at bars or shows — and almost every time we ended up in long, deep sorts of conversations. Rarely do you meet such an honest person.
Thanks for your kind words. I hope you're doing OK.
sg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bUBlerdkns
For those who don't know Jen, here she is.
We love you sister!
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