Smudge

Ghost bikes are left by friends and loved ones of cyclists who were killed or severely injured in road collisions.

This one is in memory of Antony 'Smudge' Smith who was killed by a truck at the junction of Middleton Road and Kingsland Road in Hackney. You can read more about him here.

I have heard them described as 'controversial', on grounds, as far as I can tell, that some - motorists, mainly - find them morbid. I think they are both a beautiful memorial and powerful reminder of the sense of responsibility we must all share.

I cycle past this ghost bike twice every day. I am now the same age as Smudge was when he was killed.