Cycle safety campaigners are planning to reinstate a “ghost bike” erected in memory of a music producer killed in an alleged hit-and-run collision in east London a year ago.
The monthly Critical Mass bike ride that is due to take place on Friday evening is expected to return to Cable Street for the replacement of the memorial to Matheus Piovesan, 36, who was killed on July 6 last year.
Tower Hamlets council removed the ghost bike - an old bike spray-painted white, with his picture attached - without consulting Mr Piovesan’s friends or family last October.
Nobody is thought to have been charged in connection with Mr Piovesan’s death and his friends and campaigners say the ghost bike could have encouraged witnesses to have come forward – and to have encouraged drivers to slow down.
Oli Rake, co-ordinator of cycling campaign group Tower Hamlets Wheelers, said: “The decision by Tower Hamlets council to quietly remove this white memorial bike feels like they are trying to sweep Mr Piovesan’s death under the rug.”
The fatal collision with a car happened near the junction of Cable Street and Cannon Street Road in Shadwell.
Mr Piovesan was a journalist and music producer from Brazil who had been in London since 2019.
He had been returning from work in central London at the time of the collision, which happened around 12.30am.
He was treated by members of London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance but died at the scene.
Mariana Steffen, a friend of Mr Piovesan, said: “Nobody has been charged with Matheus’ killing. The Metropolitan Police have said that it would take time, and they were putting the evidence together.
“If anyone has any information that you think might be relevant, please come forward. Even the smallest detail might help to uncover the truth about what happened to Matheus and move the police investigation along.”
Friends of Mr Piovesan have created a tribute social media account in his memory, and will paint the replacement bike white, and add glitter and rainbow paint, as they did a year ago.
Three men were reportedly arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision but were later released on bail. Mr Piovesan’s friends believe that nobody has yet been charged.
Scotland Yard has been asked by The Standard to provide an update into its investigation.
A spokesperson for Hackney Cycling Campaign said: “The decision by Tower Hamlets council to remove this white bike, while nobody has been charged after Mr Piovesan’s death, is grossly insensitive.
“In contrast, Hackney council has taken a more sensitive approach. When a white bike [in memory of Hackney mother of two Gao Gao] had to be temporarily moved Hackney council contacted local cycling groups and the bike is now back in place. Tower Hamlets should learn from Hackney's approach.
“White bikes serve as a reminder to drivers to slow down and be respectful of cyclists on the road. Retaining a visible white bike for Matheus Piovesan could prompt someone who saw or knows something to come forward.”
Earlier this year, Tower Hamlets residents won the right to appeal against a High Court decision that backed the council’s plans to axe several LTN (low traffic neighbourhood) schemes.
Mr Rake said: “The cabinet’s decisions to remove the previously installed ‘Liveable Streets’ schemes across the borough, despite a majority of residents in favour of retaining them, are making the borough less safe for cyclists.
“The removal of traffic-calming measures encourages through -or ‘rat- run’ - motor traffic onto residential streets, and with it increased pollution and road danger.
“Residents of Cannon Street Road have previously said that the road is dangerous with motor traffic moving very quickly off the nearby A1203. This death could have been avoided.”
Witnesses to the collision that killed Mr Piovesan, or drivers with dash cam footage of the incident or moments leading up to it, are asked to call 101 quoting reference 230/06 July 2024. They can also call in the investigating team on 020 8285 1574.
Tower Hamlets council and the Metropolitan police have been approached for comment.
