Recently, some of our staff joined friends of Vijay “Jay” Mohan to replace the ghost bike placed in his memory at the intersection of Ridge Ave. and Girard Ave. in Philadelphia.
Jay was riding his bike on Sunday, May 10th, 2015 through the intersection of Ridge and Girard when he was hit by a driver going in the same direction. Jay was only a few blocks from his Brewerytown home when the crash occurred that took his life.
Jay attended high school in India and studied at Temple University, where he earned a degree in film and media arts. He rode his bike everywhere. He worked at Philly Community Access Media, the city’s public-access television station, where people broadcast on their radio and television systems, take classes, or rent equipment and facilities.
Since the ghost bike was placed in 2015, it had fallen in disrepair and appeared to have been hit. Ghost bikes, Angel bikes, or Memorial bikes are bikes painted white and locked up near the site of a fatal bike crash to memorialize the person who was lost to traffic violence. There are also a set of plaques to remember people who were killed while walking. According to the ghostbikes.org website, “the first ghost bikes were created in St. Louis, Missouri in 2003. Currently there are over 630 ghost bikes that have since appeared in over 210 locations throughout the world.”
Vijay Mohan’s original Ghost Bike
Map of Ghost Bikes throughout the city
Similar to a tombstone, Ghost Bikes need maintenance and attention to remain in good condition. We have put together a set of resources so anyone can learn about ghost bike memorials in the city, request maintenance, or request the placement of a new bike.
Take a look at the Bicycle Coalition’s Ghost Bike Map to learn more about the Ghost Bikes and who they belong to throughout Philadelphia.
Wish to replace or request a Ghost Bike? Fill out this Google Form, any issues please contact nicole@bicyclecoalition.org
PDF view of Ghost Bike Request Form
Upcoming: Friends and Family of Nyier ‘Nas’ Cunningham are hosting a ride out in Nas’s memory on Saturday, Sept. 24th. People will meet at the NW corner of Rittenhouse Sq, ride out of Center City, through West Philly, and end at Nas’s park at 52nd and Wyalusing ave. We hope you can join.
Friends of Vijay Mohan came together to celebrate his life in August of 2022