Cyclists install ‘Ghost Bike,’ light candles for Mark Vincent Garalde

A memorial for slain cyclist Mark Garalde has been installed at P. Casal Street in Quiapo on Sunday.

Bicycle enthusiasts and advocates NJ Mijares and Howie Severino, and other riders gathered at the site where Garalde was shot dead to install a "Ghost Bike."

Bikers from different groups also joined a unity ride, which began at 6 a.m. The ride started at Rizal Park and ended in Quiapo, where the group lit candles and offered prayers at the scene of the crime.

The practice of installing Ghost Bikes is observed by the global biking community, serving as reminders of tragedies both accidental and avoidable.

"Bicyclists are killed, whether by accident or not. And sadly, they are eventually forgotten after few days or weeks on the news. By installing memorials, we will remember," Mijares wrote on his Facebook page, inviting people to join him erect the mural.

In an interview with GMA News Online on Thursday, Mijares said he prefers to make a real impact instead of just venting out his anger online.

"Sa online kasi, after you type your hate words, ano na? Walang epekto. So I'd rather that kung magsasalita na lang din ako about the issue, might as well samahan ng aksyon."

He added that the Ghost Bike will serve as a reminder of peace and respect.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is mulling the installation of bike lanes in the city, while Mark Garalde's shooter Vhon Tanto was arrested on Friday (July 29) and is currently in the custody of the Manila Police District.

The Manila mayor is also planning to install more CCTV cameras around the city. —ALG, GMA News