Recently, Smart Express were fortunate to assist Bike Auckland in tribute for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Our team volunteered to transport and assist with setting up 59 “ghost bikes” in St Patrick’s Square in Auckland City. These bikes, painted white, each representing a cyclist who tragically lost their life to a road incident in New Zealand over the past five years.
Among these bikes, a small tricycle stood out, symbolising the youngest victim—just two years old. The visual impact of these installations served as a reminder of the lives lost and the ripple effects of road incidents on families, friends, and communities.
Why Ghost Bikes?
The ghost bikes not only commemorates lives lost but also raises awareness about the importance of safer streets. Advocates for road safety, including Bike Auckland, stresses the critical role of lower speed limits and better cycling infrastructure.
A Call for Change
The installation coincided with growing concerns about the Government’s decision to roll back lower speed limits in some areas. Since their introduction in Auckland in 2020, reduced speed limits have contributed to significant safety improvements, with over 80 lives saved. Reverting these changes could result in preventable tragedies.
As Bike Auckland Chair Karen Hormann said, “Each of these 59 deaths had a ripple effect on whānau, friends, co-workers, schoolmates, emergency services, and trauma teams. It doesn’t have to be like this.”
To learn more about this initiative and the broader advocacy for cycling safety, visit Bike Auckland’s website.
Our Commitment to the Community
At Smart Express, we believe in supporting initiatives that create safer, more liveable communities. Being able to assist the ghost bike project was an honour, and we hope it inspires more people to consider how we can make roads safer for everyone.