Sandra Medeiros of the South Coast Bikeway (FAR RIGHT) speaks on 9/29/23 at the dedication of the Ghost Bike memorial for James Leandre who was killed by a truck as he road his bike on South Main Street in Acushnet near the Council on Aging/Senior Center where the sculpture is installed, while friends and family, including Mr. Leandre’s mother Ruth (CENTER in wheelchair), listen. Photo courtesy of Lori Bates.
By Beth David, Editor
The South Coast Bikeway Alliance, MassBike, and the family and friends of James Leandre created a memorial to him with a “Ghost Bike” at the Acushnet Council on Aging/Senior Center on Friday, 9/29/23. Mr. Leandre was riding his bicycle on South Main Street last December when he was hit by a large truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A ghost bike is a roadside memorial placed where a bicyclist has been killed or injured, like a cross on the road.
On Friday, Mr. Leandre’s mother Ruth Leandre, family, friends and organizers gathered to remember him and dedicate the memorial.
The ghost bike sculpture will be a reminder for drivers to look out for bicycle riders, and will remain a memorial to Mr. Leandre. On the grounds of the COA, the space will be a quiet place to reflect and remember Mr. Leandre.
The COA/Senior Center is located at 59 1/2 So. Main Street, Acushnet.
The sign on the top tube of the Ghost Bike dedicates the memorial to James Leandre who was killed by a truck as he road his bike on South Main Street in Acushnet near the Council on Aging/Senior Center where the sculpture is installed. Photo courtesy of Sandra Medeiros
A picture of James Leandre is inside the spokes of the Ghost Bike on 9/29/23 at the dedication of the Ghost Bike sculpture at the Acushnet Council on Aging/Senior Center on South Main Street, where Mr. Leandre was killed by a truck as he road his bike. Photo courtesy of Sandra Medeiros
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