In Prague, there is a monument to the cyclists who died in the streets of the city

Prague - The memorial in memory of Jan Bouchal and other cyclists who tragically died on the streets of Prague is today unveiled on the embankment of Captain Jaroš at the intersection with Dukelských hrdinů Avenue. It was at this site that Bouchal, a promoter of urban cycling, was struck and fatally injured by a car driver seven years ago. The "Bike to Heaven" memorial by Krištof Kintera takes the form of a street lamp from which a bicycle rises towards the sky.
    The sculpture, located in a busy area, serves as a signal for reflection on the ways and safety of human movement through the landscape. "On the high pole of public lighting, which stands right next to the site of the accident, I placed a bicycle that aims towards the sky. The entire pole, including the bicycle and lights, is covered with sheet silver so that the whole sculpture presents itself as a monumental, slightly otherworldly inappropriate jewel," described Kintera's design for the memorial. The bicycle and lights are mounted on a rotating mechanism, so that the wind spins them from time to time.
    The intersection of Captain Jaroš Embankment and Dukelských hrdinů Avenue was, according to the Auto*Mat initiative, one of the most dangerous places in Prague, where several serious accidents occurred. Last year, the intersection was reconstructed, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
    "Since Jan Bouchal's death, much has changed. We succeeded in advocating for the reconstruction of the intersection where the tragic accident took place. The number of cyclists on the streets increases every year. And the initiative that Jan co-founded has become a significant player in the field of transportation and the cultivation of public space," reminds Auto*Matu spokesperson Tereza Vohryzková.
    The design for the memorial was selected by a jury seven years ago. At that time, 16 authors submitted their proposals, and the design by David Černý received the most support. His proposal featured a bronze relief of a struck figure and bicycle, which was intended to be placed in the roadway directly at the accident site, creating a speed bump. Bouchal's friends argued that a bronze speed bump perfectly matched his nature. However, the relevant city authorities did not approve this option.
    Most of the material for the memorial was donated to the Auto*Mat initiative, while additional funds came from a public collection, raising nearly 300,000 crowns within a few months.