Audio By Carbonatix
Independent Journalism in Miami Needs You
We need to raise $10,000 by August 9 to support the reporting our community depends on. Reader support keeps us independent and is playing a larger role in funding local journalism and shaping what comes next. If you believe independent local journalism matters, make a contribution today.
About a month ago, county officials removed a spray-painted bike that was mounted on Bear Cut Bridge, near Virgina Key. The ghost bike was a tribute to Christophe Le Canne, the 44-year-old family man who was killed by a drunk driver two months ago.
Public works director Esther Calas claimed it obstructed the sidewalk and “could cause injury.” The cycling community fired back that it was disrespectful, bureaucratic crap. And letters began to pour in.
A few days ago, public works officials placed the bike a few yards from its original spot. They mounted it on what looks like a stop sign pole in a circle of barkdust. It’s the first county project of its kind and a good idea in a city that consistently ranks one of the nation’s most dangerous places to bike. It sends a message to drivers: Share the road.
County public information officer Delfin Molins could not comment immediately on how much the project cost or what inspired it.
