But the city declined Pangraze’s request to remove it, citing its “sensitive nature,” Jakob Helmboldt, the city’s pedestrian, bicycle and trails coordinator, said in January. Pangraze then took matters into his own hands, removing the bike — despite the fact that it is on city property and not his own.

In the case of the bike that was placed at the scene Monday, the group took an extra step in an attempt to solidify their case that the bike is allowed to be there. Daniel Pritchett, who was Lanie’s boyfriend when she was killed, registered the ghost bike with the National Bike Registry and the 529 Garage, which combats bike theft. The bike was outfitted with a certificate of registration and a serial number.

The group is still waiting to register the bike with the city of Richmond, though city officials were not available to do it quickly, Pritchett said. Now, he is planning to report the bike as stolen to the Richmond Police Department by Wednesday morning, having learned that it’s no longer chained to the pole.