 "Photo: Dustin Glendinning / THE DAILY GAMECOCK")
The bicycle chained to the street sign at the corner of King Street and Devine Street isn’t meant to be ridden. In fact, that would be impossible given that the front tire is bent, the seat is facing backwards and there is a small garden planted around it. This bike stands as a memorial to William Wilson, a graduate of the Citadel who lost his life in a hit and run accident there last year. It is part of an international movement called Ghost Bikes that calls attention to bicycle safety and advocacy by placing a bicycle near the side of the road where a rider was killed.
William’s mother, Maura Wilson, said a family friend, Rod Dalton, locked the bike there shortly after he died. Recycled from the trash, the only part taken from Will’s actual bike is the front tire.
“People started putting things there right away. I haven’t put anything there except the final tire that’s on now; the crooked tire actually came off his bike,” Wilson said.
The bicycle has not yet been touched by the police, and Maura Wilson believes this is because they like it there as a reminder, too. She said the officers have treated the family very well since the accident.
“[An officer] said “I just want to give you a hug,” and I think maybe because William had gone to the Citadel and did some things maybe they had an affinity for him, but they also were just outraged that it happened,” Maura said.
While Maura Wilson has taken care of the bike on some occasions, it is mostly the community that has rallied around the effort to preserve the monument.
Perhaps it is family friends or even members of Columbia’s bicycling community that frequent the memorial to fix it up. William’s father, Jeremy Wilson said that some parts are stolen from the bike, but then later replaced by unknown donors.
Rachael Kefalos, executive director of Palmetto Cycling Coalition, works with members of the community to turn statements like ghost bikes into changes in laws and legislation that actively benefit bicyclists in Columbia.
“Bicycling is important for communities and quality of life. It’s not just about recreation and transportation, but it’s about the possibility that it can bring to a community,” Kefalos said.
Kefalos said that in the past ten years, South Carolina has nearly doubled the national average of bicycle fatalities. Unfortunately, not a lot is being done to address these issues, which is why it’s so important that organizations like Palmetto Cycling Coalition bring awareness.
“I know for a fact the biggest problem we face in South Carolina is the misunderstanding that bicyclists don’t belong on the road ... there are advocates that have worked so hard to have these laws passed, and as a bicyclist I feel we should all be so proud that we have these rights,” Kefalos said.
Cory King, a third-year international business student, frequently rides his bike for transportation and has noticed the bike over the past year. He said the bike serves as a reminder of how dangerous it can be when you ride on busy streets.
While the ghost bike serves as a reminder of the advocacy efforts in Columbia, it also sends a personal message. Though Will may not have known about ghost bikes, Jeremy Wilson is sure that if he thought it could save another life, he would have been behind the movement. Will was very avid about everything he did.
“When I look at [the bike] now, it makes me think of William, and it makes me smile instead of sad,” Maura Wilson said.
For King, part of the ghost bike movement means paying homage to those who have died while riding.
“It’s like when people put those crosses up on the side of the interstate; a way to remember the people who died there, but also a reminder to drive more safely and carefully,” King said.
Jeremy Wilson hopes that there will never have to be another ghost bike in Columbia. Though everyone may see the bicycle differently, perhaps they will still take away something meaningful, and maybe it will even save a rider’s life.
BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS:
1. Protect Your Head. Wear a Helmet.
Never ride a bicycle without wearing a properly fitted helmet. Helmets are proven to be 85-88 percent effective in preventing traumatic brain injury, the primary cause of death and disabling injuries resulting from cycling crashes.
2. Assure Bicycle Readiness. Ensure Proper Size and Function of Bicycle.
Use a bicycle that fits you and check all parts of the bicycle to make sure they are secure and working well.
3. Ride Wisely. Learn and Follow the Rules of the Road.
Bicyclists are considered vehicles on the road and must follow traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles.
4. Be Predictable. Act Like a Driver of a Vehicle.
Always ride straight and with the flow of traffic.
5. Be Visible. See and Be Seen at All Times.
Always assume you are not seen by others. Cyclists must take responsibility for being visible to motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists.
6. “Drive” with Care. Share the Road.
Take extra precautions when riding on a roadway and chose to ride in the bike lane, if available.
7. Stay Focused. Stay Alert.
Be aware of the traffic around you and look out for oncoming obstacles. Never wear headphones when riding.
-Information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
4 comments