Ghost bike left to mark scene where cyclist Dan died (From Gazette)

Ghost bike left to mark scene where cyclist Dan died

12:00pm Wednesday 16th September 2009 in

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A MYSTERY “ghost bike” has appeared at the spot where a teenager was killed.

Daniel Andrew died when his bicycle was hit by a car in Greenstead Road, Colchester, near the Tesco store in June 2008.

An all-white bicycle has appeared at the scene, chained to a road sign.

Dan’s dad, Mark Andrew, said he has no idea who put it there.

Mr Andrew said: “We certainly haven’t put it there. I had never heard of a ghost bike or the concept before this. I spoke to Dan’s mother yesterday and she didn’t mention it, and his friends haven’t done it either.

“I haven’t got a problem with it though, if it is done as a memorial type thing or as a warning to cyclists or motorists.

“I would be very interested to know who put it there and why.”

The ghost bike idea is very popular in London, but more recently the bicycles have been appearing in other towns, including Oxford and Brighton.

A bicycle skeleton – minus pedals, chain and brake cables – is spray-painted white and chained to railings or a lamp post at the site of a fatal, or serious, accident.

Muhammad Riaz, 29, was driving at 42mph in the 30mph limit when he hit 16-year-old Daniel.

The pizza delivery man admitted driving without due care and attention and was fined £500 and banned from driving for a year.

At the time there was a huge outpouring of grief, with friends of the Sir Charles Lucas School pupil gathering at the site and piling up flags and flowers.

l Did you put the ghost bike in Greenstead Road? If so, contact the Gazette newsdesk on 01206 508280 or e-mail gazette.news desk@nqe.com