Please read this link first it will help... A few months ago I was at the light on Ash Ave and University Drive in Tempe. I noticed one of Presley’s school friends father, Brad (he works for the City of Tempe) on the corner working. In the past he had mentioned he works for the City. Presley and his son play a lot together after school so I’ve had a great time getting to know the family.
Weeks went by and even though I see him daily I had forgot to mention it. Finally one day after school I remembered. I can’t remember how I explained the spot or what I said but some how the memorial on that location came up. This I remember, I told him about Chris Volpe. Although I didn’t know him because of this memorial I got to hear of Chris and meet his brother, Tony. Brad then explained to me that the memorial was in jeopardy of being removed.
Someone wanted to have the ghost bikes removed. The ghost bikes were placed in two Tempe locations where bikers had been hit and killed by cars. The removal of these bikes was so shocking to hear, why? This memorial is such a great reminder for me and my family who live (near there) in a busy area with both cars and bikes, to be careful. Presley mentions the memorial to friends when we drive by and she will say, even if you’re riding safely doesn’t mean the cars see you. The memorial is such a great reminder to me (and my family) as a biker, and driver to be cautious on the road. Too quickly a life can be taken.
The photo above was taken a few weeks back. The bike and memorial have been removed. I was pretty aggravated to write about it then. I still don’t know why anyone would want to have the ghost bikes removed. I’m still pissed... I've linked below where you can read about both Jay Fretz and Chris Volpe.
Jay. http://ghostbikes.org/tempe/jay-fretz
Chris.http://ghostbikes.org/tempe/chris-volpe