A Ghost Bike Memorializes Michael Pompa: Honoring a Life Lost and Advocating for Safer Roads
On December 29, 2024, 55-year-old Michael Pompa was tragically killed in a double hit-and-run crash while riding his bicycle on Edison Ave in Colorado Springs. Michael, a beloved community member, was a frequent bike rider who loved the outdoors and built bikes for his grandkids and nieces and nephews. His life was cut short when he was struck by one driver, followed by a second who ran over his bicycle. Both fled the scene, leaving Michael fatally injured.
To honor his memory, Bike Colorado Springs, alongside Michael’s family and volunteers, installed a ghost bike at the crash site on February 2, 2025. The stark white bicycle, chained to a post at 4450 Edison Ave, serves as a somber reminder of Michael’s life and a call for safer streets.
Remembering Michael Pompa
Michael was a kind and adventurous soul who found joy in riding bikes and the outdoors. His family shared that he frequently rode from his home near Circle and Galley to the area east of Platte and Academy, where his family lived. This area, like much of the Platte Ave corridor, has poor bike infrastructure, making it dangerous for bike riders.
During the installation, Michael’s family added their own decorations to the bike and expressed gratitude to Bike Colorado Springs. “Michael’s death was preventable,” said Cully Radvillas, Communication Chair for Bike Colorado Springs. “We hope this ghost bike reminds everyone to be more aware and cautious on the road.”
Vandalism Incident
Tragically, the ghost bike memorializing Michael Pompa was vandalized shortly after its installation. On February 4 or 5, 2025, the placard on the ghost bike was burned, and the memorial was desecrated. This act of vandalism has deeply saddened the community and Michael’s family, who see the ghost bike as a sacred tribute to his life. The incident has been reported to the local authorities, and efforts are being made to restore the memorial.
The Ghost Bike: A Symbol of Loss and Hope
Ghost bikes are a poignant tradition in the bike community, honoring riders lost in traffic accidents and reminding drivers to share the road responsibly. The installation was a collaborative effort between Michael’s family, Bike Colorado Springs, and COS Cars Kill. Photos of the installation are shared with the family’s permission.
A Call for Safer Streets
The crash occurred on Edison Ave, a narrow, poorly lit road with no bike lanes or off-street trails. According to reports from The Colorado Springs Gazette, KKTV, KRDO, and KOAA, the alleged drivers were arrested and charged. While the drivers are being held accountable, this incident highlights the urgent need for safer infrastructure, here and throughout Colorado Springs.
Michael’s death is a stark reminder that our roads are not safe for everyone. We urge city officials to take immediate action, such as adding protected bike lanes, off-street trails, better lighting, and clearer signage on high-risk roads like Edison Ave.
A parallel trail has been proposed as part of the Platte Ave Transportation Study, but no timeline or funding has been identified. In the meantime, the bike community continues to push for education and enforcement to hold reckless drivers accountable.
Honoring Michael’s Legacy
The ghost bike on Edison Ave stands as a tribute to Michael Pompa’s life and a reminder of the work needed to protect bike riders. Together, we can work toward a future where bike riders and pedestrians can travel without fear.
If you have any information about the December 2024 hit-and-run or would like to support efforts to improve cycling safety in Colorado Springs, please contact Bike Colorado Springs, COS Cars Kill or city officials.
