IT began as a solemn reminder of the dangers of cycling but now Ireland's single 'ghost bike' may be joined by another memorial.

The white-washed bicycle was attached to the railings of Harold's Cross Bridge in south Dublin last February to honour the memory of Chinese national Zu Zhang Wong (27) who was hit and killed by a truck the month before.

As part of a global movement the eerie 'ghost bike' monuments have appeared in more than 100 locations, stretching from Melbourne to Mexico City, in just six years. Dublin, sadly, may be about to get its second.

"We hoped that [Wong's bike] would be the last," said Dr Mike McKillen, a lecturer in biochemistry at Trinity College and the man responsible for Ireland's ghost bikes.

However, arrangements are now being made to speak to the family of another cyclist who lost his life on Merchants Quay three weeks ago to see if they will agree to the memorial.

"We normally wait for a period of time to elapse because it's all raw for the family. It depends on the family; it might [go ahead] or it might not go ahead."

The ghost bikes are bicycles painted white and permanently fixed to a spot near where a cyclist lost their life, with a small plaque attached.

The first appeared in St Louis, Missouri, in the US in 2003.

How long the memorials will stay in place has not, however, been decided. "It's meant to be limited. We haven't thought this through yet but I would think that we will remove the 2009 ones at the end of the year," said Dr McKillen.

"The one on Harold's Cross Bridge is now bedecked with flowers and it's not vandalised.

"I saw it on Sunday and I had never seen so many flowers on it. I don't know if it's the
Chinese community or the cycling community but it's very touching," he added.