The Sun newspaper has printed a rather good article about ghost bikes which can be found here. For those outside the UK I will mention that generally The Sun is associated with being right wing and pro car notably with a regular column by outspoken car enthusiast Jeremy Clarkson.
Amongst others they mention James Danson-Hatcher who was killed whilst riding his bicycle in the South Downs close to where I live. A ghost bicycle was placed where he died.
In a short film I made with a team called The Right of Way we mention James Danson-Hatcher at the end and film the ghost bicycle. The film can be viewed here.
I read in the Brighton Area Cyclists email group that the ghost bicycle in the South Downs has been removed. The Brighton based cycling pressure group Bricycles has been campaigning for a lower speed limit on the road where James was killed but this has not been introduced. I know the road well and cars drive along it at a very high speed.
I remember filming the ghost bike, it was very poignant. I did it with my filming friend Hyun-suk Yoo. It was cold and windy and the cars were going past at very great speed. There was something utterly heartless about the traffic. I felt angry that their desire to drive so fast is considered more important than someone’s life.
The final shot of the film is of a cyclist who is crossing the road where James was killed. He has dismounted and is crossing with great care. I felt this scene showed that it is indeed the car drivers who rule here.