GHOST BIKE NEAR CHARLEMONT TRAM STOP
GHOST BIKE AT CHARLEMONT BRIDGE [IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER CONFLATED ACCOUNTS]
This memorial has caused some confusion as it is commonly described aa being located at "Charlemont Bridge (now Emmet Bridge)". There is another ghost bike memorial at Emmet Bridge (locally known as Harold's Cross Bridge). A number of accounts claim that this is a memorial to Louise Butler but the accident was in Blackrock which is some distance away.
Ghost Bikes and Bridge Confusions in Dublin
There appears to be some conflation of accounts regarding ghost bike memorials in Dublin, particularly concerning Charlemont Bridge and Robert Emmet Bridge (commonly known as Harold's Cross Bridge). This has led to some confusion.
Robert Emmet Bridge (Harold's Cross Bridge) is the site of a well-known ghost bike memorial dedicated to Zu Zhang Wong, who tragically died in January 2009. News reports consistently identify this memorial as being in remembrance of Zu Zhang Wong, who was struck by a lorry while cycling on January 14, 2009. He was cycling straight at the junction by Harold's Cross Bridge when a cement truck, turning left near the Grand Canal, collided with him.
The Dublin Cycling Campaign (DCC) installed this initial ghost bike in early 2009. This initiative aimed to unite the cycling community and raise awareness about the dangers cyclists face on Dublin's roads, particularly from large vehicles such as left-turning lorries. Dr. Mike McKillen of the DCC emphasised the poignant nature of these memorials and the importance of obtaining permission from the victim's family before installation. This was indeed secured from Zu Zhang Wong's parents and cousin. The swift placement of the memorial, approximately one month after the tragic incident, highlights the cycling community's immediate response to the loss.
The ghost bike at Robert Emmet Bridge (Harold's Cross Bridge) has a notable history. It was removed by Dublin City Council in June 2016 as part of a city-wide effort to address abandoned bicycles. This action, while part of an official scheme, sparked considerable discussion. Demonstrating the strong community sentiment, volunteers and cycling advocacy groups, including I BIKE Dublin and Cyclist.ie, reinstated the ghost bike in February 2018. This re-installation was marked by a re-dedication event, further emphasising the memorial's enduring importance.
The primary purpose of the ghost bike at Robert Emmet Bridge (Harold's Cross Bridge) is twofold: to serve as a lasting tribute to Zu Zhang Wong and to continuously remind cyclists and motorists to be vigilant at this specific location. The DCC's broader adoption of the ghost bike concept in Dublin reflects a strategic effort to heighten public awareness regarding cyclist fatalities and foster a stronger sense of community among cyclists. This initiative aligns with the global ghost bike movement's goals of honouring fallen cyclists, alerting drivers to the presence and vulnerability of cyclists, and advocating for improved road safety infrastructure.
It is important to clarify that Robert Emmet Bridge is the official name of the bridge commonly known as Harold's Cross Bridge. It was originally named Clanbrassil Bridge, constructed around 1790, and rebuilt in 1935-36. It was renamed Robert Emmet Bridge to commemorate Robert Emmet, who was captured in Harold's Cross.
Charlemont Bridge, on the other hand, is a distinct bridge located on Ranelagh Road and Charlemont Street. It is often mistakenly called Ranelagh Bridge. Charlemont Bridge was the site of a failed assassination attempt by the IRA on General Hugh Tudor in January 1921, during the Irish War of Independence. The bridge was later reconstructed in 1940. A snippet from Wikipedia's list of Dublin bridges mentions a ghost bike attached to the railings beside Charlemont Bridge, but it does not provide information about the individual it commemorates.
Regarding Louise Butler, research indicates she was a cyclist who tragically died in a collision with a truck in Blackrock, Dublin, in August 2013. News reports detail that the incident occurred as she was cycling to work in Monkstown when a left-turning heavy goods vehicle struck her. Therefore, the memorial at Charlemont bridge is not related to Louise Butler, and the memorial at Emmet bridge is related to Zu Zhang Wong.
This memorial has caused some confusion as it is commonly described aa being located at "Charlemont Bridge (now Emmet Bridge)". There is another ghost bike memorial at Emmet Bridge (locally known as Harold's Cross Bridge). A number of accounts claim that this is a memorial to Louise Butler but the accident was in Blackrock which is some distance away.
Ghost Bikes and Bridge Confusions in Dublin
There appears to be some conflation of accounts regarding ghost bike memorials in Dublin, particularly concerning Charlemont Bridge and Robert Emmet Bridge (commonly known as Harold's Cross Bridge). This has led to some confusion.
Robert Emmet Bridge (Harold's Cross Bridge) is the site of a well-known ghost bike memorial dedicated to Zu Zhang Wong, who tragically died in January 2009. News reports consistently identify this memorial as being in remembrance of Zu Zhang Wong, who was struck by a lorry while cycling on January 14, 2009. He was cycling straight at the junction by Harold's Cross Bridge when a cement truck, turning left near the Grand Canal, collided with him.
The Dublin Cycling Campaign (DCC) installed this initial ghost bike in early 2009. This initiative aimed to unite the cycling community and raise awareness about the dangers cyclists face on Dublin's roads, particularly from large vehicles such as left-turning lorries. Dr. Mike McKillen of the DCC emphasised the poignant nature of these memorials and the importance of obtaining permission from the victim's family before installation. This was indeed secured from Zu Zhang Wong's parents and cousin. The swift placement of the memorial, approximately one month after the tragic incident, highlights the cycling community's immediate response to the loss.
The ghost bike at Robert Emmet Bridge (Harold's Cross Bridge) has a notable history. It was removed by Dublin City Council in June 2016 as part of a city-wide effort to address abandoned bicycles. This action, while part of an official scheme, sparked considerable discussion. Demonstrating the strong community sentiment, volunteers and cycling advocacy groups, including I BIKE Dublin and Cyclist.ie, reinstated the ghost bike in February 2018. This re-installation was marked by a re-dedication event, further emphasising the memorial's enduring importance.
The primary purpose of the ghost bike at Robert Emmet Bridge (Harold's Cross Bridge) is twofold: to serve as a lasting tribute to Zu Zhang Wong and to continuously remind cyclists and motorists to be vigilant at this specific location. The DCC's broader adoption of the ghost bike concept in Dublin reflects a strategic effort to heighten public awareness regarding cyclist fatalities and foster a stronger sense of community among cyclists. This initiative aligns with the global ghost bike movement's goals of honouring fallen cyclists, alerting drivers to the presence and vulnerability of cyclists, and advocating for improved road safety infrastructure.
It is important to clarify that Robert Emmet Bridge is the official name of the bridge commonly known as Harold's Cross Bridge. It was originally named Clanbrassil Bridge, constructed around 1790, and rebuilt in 1935-36. It was renamed Robert Emmet Bridge to commemorate Robert Emmet, who was captured in Harold's Cross.
Charlemont Bridge, on the other hand, is a distinct bridge located on Ranelagh Road and Charlemont Street. It is often mistakenly called Ranelagh Bridge. Charlemont Bridge was the site of a failed assassination attempt by the IRA on General Hugh Tudor in January 1921, during the Irish War of Independence. The bridge was later reconstructed in 1940. A snippet from Wikipedia's list of Dublin bridges mentions a ghost bike attached to the railings beside Charlemont Bridge, but it does not provide information about the individual it commemorates.
Regarding Louise Butler, research indicates she was a cyclist who tragically died in a collision with a truck in Blackrock, Dublin, in August 2013. News reports detail that the incident occurred as she was cycling to work in Monkstown when a left-turning heavy goods vehicle struck her. Therefore, the memorial at Charlemont bridge is not related to Louise Butler, and the memorial at Emmet bridge is related to Zu Zhang Wong.
GHOST BIKE NEAR CHARLEMONT TRAM STOP