AUSTIN, Texas — A particular type of memorial is being removed from the streets of Austin.
They're known as ghost bikes -- and they're placed where a cyclist has been killed.
“We don't know why.” Rhodney Williams, a volunteer with the Austin Ghost Bike Project, said. “It could be the city, it could be TxDOT, it could just be somebody who's taking the bike for scrap metal.”
Williams says the bikes don’t look like much due to being stripped down to the frame. However, he says they mean everything to the people who ask them to put them there.
“Austin Ghost Bike Project is just a group of volunteers that are aware of the crashes that take place primarily in the city,” William said. “First to memorialize the individual who was killed in that crash, and secondly to create some public awareness of these events taking place.”
The bike placed on East Parmer Lane is for Ashton Hutchinson.
“I think of him daily, but just to be in the spot – I don't know, brings me a little bit closer,” Teresa Bolinger–Hutchinson’s mom explained.
Bolinger says her son loved riding his bike and that it was his main form of transportation.
“People have to, I mean, sometimes they can’t afford to have a car,” Bolinger said. “He traveled to this area often. His niece and nephew went to school down here and he would sometimes show up when my daughter was picking the kids up.”
But last December, Bolinger says her son was riding his bike eastbound on East Parmer Lane late at night.
“He was hit by a car and my understanding is they stopped. Then a second driver would not stop and ran over him,” Bolinger said.
Seven months without him, Bolinger says it has been hard, but the ghost bike comforts her.
“For him to be remembered and for people to realize they need to slow down and pay attention,” Bolinger said. “We all need to make it home safe.”
But a month ago, Bolinger says her son’s ghost bike disappeared.
Williams says about four bikes were suddenly removed recently.
“I’m thinking who would do that? It’s crazy,” he said. “It makes no sense whatsoever.”
Bolinger says it's hurtful and disrespectful to her and to other people's loved ones.
“There’re memorials all over the place; crosses on the side of the road. Nobody messes with them. It shouldn't be done in the city either,” Bolinger said.
Williams says the Austin Bicycle Advisory Council took the matter to the city asking for special protections for ghost bikes.
The city must let the group know when a bike is being moved for city work.
“It was unanimously approved by the city, through the city works, and the Department of Transportation.” Williams said
As for those who may be taking the ghost bikes, Williams says…
“A person died here, for heaven's sake. Can you just let it be?”
Williams says each ghost bike is made with volunteer time and money.
If you'd like to volunteer or donate products to create them, you can reach out to the group here.