Burlington Removes Ghost Bike Honouring Hit-And-Run Victim - A ghost bike installed on North Shore Boulevard near the Burlington Skyway honoured Detlef (Doug) Fritz, 81, who was killed by a driver in May 2023. It was removed last week by the City of Burlington in keeping with their 13-month time limit for roadside memorials.

A ghost bike installed on North Shore Boulevard near the Burlington Skyway honoured Detlef (Doug) Fritz, 81, who was killed by a driver in May 2023. It was removed last week by the City of Burlington in keeping with their 13-month time limit for roadside memorials.

- BY David Lea

A woman who lost her father to a hit-and-run driver said her family is feeling renewed pain after the City of Burlington removed a ghost bike memorial set up in his honour.

Nicole Fritz said her father Detlef (Doug), 81, had been cycling on North Shore Boulevard, near the Burlington Skyway, when he was struck and killed by a vehicle on May 18, 2023.

The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended. She was sentenced to 179 days in jail after pleading guilty last month.

As terrible as Doug’s loss was for his family, Fritz said a positive moment came about a week after his death when a group of cyclists carried out a ghost bike ride for Doug, which saw them pass his home to pay their respects to his widow and children.

The group then proceeded to the place where Doug died and set up a ghost bike memorial for him. “It was a symbol of kindness and love,” said Fritz.