Ghost bike – Paula Sharaga

Sharaga. That name, etched on a white bicycle, echoes in the Fenway air. This Ghost bike – Paula Sharaga stands as a stark reminder of a life tragically lost. Paula Sharaga, a 69-year-old Cambridge resident, was more than just a victim of a traffic accident. She was a beloved children’s librarian, a peace activist, an environmentalist, and a seasoned cyclist. Her life was vibrant, full of passion and purpose. The Ghost bike – Paula Sharaga memorializes not only her death, but also her life. It stands near the intersection of Park Drive and Brookline Avenue, a chillingly familiar spot. Just months before, in November, another cyclist, a Boston University student, was killed by a dump truck in the same vicinity. On a Friday afternoon in February 2019, Paula Sharaga was cycling through this intersection when a cement truck, stopped at a red light, got the green signal. As the truck moved forward, it struck Paula. A state trooper, working nearby, was the first to respond, finding civilians performing CPR. A trauma physician also arrived on the scene, assisting until the ambulance arrived. Sadly, Paula was pronounced dead at the hospital. The driver, a 67-year-old man, was also taken to the hospital but later released. The Ghost bike – Paula Sharaga stands as a solemn testament to the vulnerability of cyclists on busy urban streets. The tragedy spurred renewed calls for improved cycling safety in Boston. The LivableStreets Alliance and the Boston Cyclists Union voiced their frustration, emphasizing the known dangers of this area and the slow pace of improvements. The intersection itself, designed with cars and trucks in mind, presented a significant hazard for cyclists. Paula’s death underscores a tragic statistic. A large number of cyclist fatalities in Boston and Cambridge involve collisions with large trucks. This fact highlights the need for better infrastructure, stricter regulations for truck safety equipment, and increased awareness among drivers. The Ghost bike – Paula Sharaga remains, a white specter against the urban backdrop. It’s a poignant reminder to slow down, to be aware, and to remember a life lost too soon.