In response to a petition, council said on-street car parking was valuable to residents and existing parking arrangements on Nudgee Road met a “suitable balance between all road users”, while cycling improvements would be considered.

Brisbane North Bicycle User Group co-convenor Stephen Wisenthal said removing ghost bikes set a dreadful precedent, but the real issue was the danger for people riding their bicycles on Nudgee Road, which was part of the principal cycle network.

In September, Wisenthal wrote to LNP Hamilton ward councillor Julia Dixon about the removal of the original roadside memorial, which was erected the month before.

Dixon told him council had not been consulted about the memorial.

“I am advised that council received concerns from local residents who witnessed the accident and found the roadside memorial deeply distressing,” she said.

Dixon said council officers did a site inspection on August 22 and determined the bike posed a safety hazard.

“The bike was parked very close to the road, reducing pedestrian visibility, and impeding sight lines, as well as creating a potential distraction for road users,” she said.

While the ghost bike was removed, council officers did not touch the flowers at the site.

Wisenthal said the original ghost bike was not a hazard, and was a reminder to drivers to be more careful.

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“An even better memorial would be quick action to put separated bike lanes on Nudgee Road,” he said.

Ryan Murphy, council civic cabinet chair for transport, said any death on the roads was incredibly tragic, and his heart went out to Pawsey’s family and loved ones.

“Council is making record investment in active transport across the city and will continue to explore opportunities for future upgrades as part of our long-term network planning,” he said.