Personal Injury Attorney wants to donate "Ghost Racks."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-ghost-bike-racks-20...

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Permalink Reply by Rich S on June 7, 2013 at 3:10am

I think it should be up to the family.  If they prefer a ghost rack then that is their wish.  But if the family wants a ghost bike then that wish should be respected as well.  Same goes if they do not want a memorial.  

I for one would not lock my bike to a ghost rack.  It wouldn't feel right to me. 

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on June 7, 2013 at 3:23am

I had the same reaction, Rich.  It would feel like a desecration.

Rich S said:

I for one would not lock my bike to a ghost rack.  It wouldn't feel right to me. 

Permalink Reply by Lizzy M. on June 7, 2013 at 3:37am

I saw a news blurb on that earlier this week, but I admit I did not read it closely, and I thought the firm intended to donate single racks to permanently anchor ghost bikes in place--not functional multi-racks for cyclists to use. Unsurprisingly, I like my own idea better.

I think that "ghost racks"--functional bike racks for everyday use, painted white in place of a ghost bike--don't really serve the purpose of a ghost bike. They don't have the impact and their utility changes the nature of the memorial. This "ghost rack" concept is more akin to benches with "in memory of" plaques than they are to the stark reminder that is ghost bike. A ghost bike requires you to think about what happened there; it doesn't sound like the ghost rack would have the same impact. I would also feel weird locking my bike to one.

Cynicism aside, I don't mind publicity masquerading as public service, where it actually accomplishes a public service, but I dislike publicity masquerading as public service when it disrupts the culture it's claiming to assist. I think the law firm should leave the memorials alone and donate functional bike racks near the ghost bikes, with permanent in memoriam placards, if the family approves.

Permalink Reply by Juan Primo on June 7, 2013 at 3:50am

Would the personal injury law firm's name be on ghost rack?  That would certainly change my opinion of the venture.

Permalink Reply by Sue Clark on June 7, 2013 at 3:59am
I appreciate that he's trying to do something, but I don't think he understands the group he's trying to reach. End result, it comes off as a publicity grab on someone else's tragedy.

Ghost bikes are moving to me and serve as a solid reminder. A white rack, unless there's something to draw attention to why that rack is different, doesn't have the same impact.
Permalink Reply by Duppie on June 7, 2013 at 4:06am

h'

As the undisputed leader in this area, what do you think about this?

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on June 7, 2013 at 4:23am

Considering that the ghost bikes are prone to vandalism, this seems like a fine and functional idea. If the racks are merely your standard upside down U but painted white, few people will understand the reference, though. But if the shape is altered and/or there is some type of signage or lettering on the rack that indicates it's a ghost bike tribute, then I don't see a huge difference and actually see it as a big advantage of the ghost racks. Ultimately, it's a good thing for everyone when cyclists have more secure options for locking up their bike.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 7, 2013 at 5:31am

Sue - You wouldn't be the first person to view this as a publicity grab.

Sue Clark said:

I appreciate that he's trying to do something, but I don't think he understands the group he's trying to reach. End result, it comes off as a publicity grab on someone else's tragedy.
Permalink Reply by Will on June 7, 2013 at 5:34am

My viewpoint on this is a little utilitarian. I like the idea in general, but some ghost bikes are located in places where a rack really isn't needed (Western and Logan comes to mind). I understand the viewpoint that a ghost bike is sacred, but honestly, aside from them being vandalized, as more cyclists fall victim to vehicle traffic, ghost bikes become a little impractical.

It's kind of a cool idea, actually... the fallen cyclist will always have a place to lock up his or her bike.

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on June 7, 2013 at 5:57am
I think some of my quotes was content taken from forum discussions....

I also think it should be up to the family.
Permalink Reply by Rich S on June 7, 2013 at 6:11am

I was just thinking the same thing myself.  Really pathetic journalism tactic.  


Cameron 7.5 mi said:

I've noticed a rise in this type of "interview". While yes the person the quote is attributed to really did say that, it's sort of dishonest for the reporter to frame it a way that makes it sound like they interviewed the person instead of pulling a quote out of context from an online discussion.

Permalink Reply by Andrew on June 7, 2013 at 7:51am

I similarly find this distressing, but suspect that limited resources available to the reporter may have been a significant factor as well.  Best-practice journalism doesn't mesh well with the economics of how many/most large media conglomerates (like the Tribune) operate in today's environment.

It doesn't excuse it, but I would be surprised if the author wasn't at least slightly pained to have used that.

I (don't really) look forward to the day someone from the Sun Times pops up in a Chainlink forum asking if anyone has taken appropriate photos for accompaniment to an upcoming article.

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