Bruce Hedges’ Free Spirit ghost bike
Bruce Hedges was a doctor who was struck from behind and killed on New Year’s Day, 2001 on First Avenue near Orange Grove. A small memorial (with bike parts) has been at this site for years. Hedges left behind a wife and a ten year-old daughter. The man who struck him was fined; no drugs or alcohol were involved and at that time First Avenue was narrower and had a dangerous shoulder. Now it has a wide bike lane, but traffic really moves at the site.
This ghost bike is free-standing. Its rear wheels are sunk in a concrete slab which is buried into the ground. The bike is entirely painted white except for the reflectors and a strip that says “Free Spirit,” which was deliberately masked over during the painting.
The City of Tucson has a policy not to remove roadside memorials as long as they are cared for and do not impair road safety. Ghost bikes may not be locked to “traffic control” signs, but possibly can be locked to other city property like light poles.
RIP Bruce.
–Erik Ryberg
February 27th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I just found this web-site.Dr.Hedges was THE absolute best psychiatrist i had ever been to.He could tell by the way i walked into his office that i had a bad week,cutting on myself.I would say no and he told me to roll up my sleeve.He would call me every other day to check up on me.I will always miss him.Thank you.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:05 pm
lorette—I’m Dr. Hedges sister. I hope that you’re well. He cared very much for his patients.
September 14th, 2010 at 10:10 am
[...] from behind on Jan. 1, 2001 while riding on First Avenue just south of Ina Road. According to a post on TucsonBikeLawyer.com, the motorist was fined. No alcohol or drugs were [...]
September 19th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Wow, I ride by Bruce Hedges Ghost Bike several times a week. I always whisper a prayer for cyclists everywhere as I climb First toward Ina and pass the memorial. I have always wondered who this guy was, whats his story? Today, as I rode by, I stopped and took a photo, when I arrived home I googled Bruce Hedges and found your site. Thanks for answering my long held question and RIP Bruce.