The Government is considering sweeping new road safety measures that could introduce mandatory registration plates, helmets and high-visibility clothing for cyclists, while also tightening regulations governing the use of e-scooters.
The proposals form part of a broader road safety initiative that will see legislation brought before Cabinet next week, with new rules aimed at significantly increasing oversight of e-scooter use across Ireland.
Under the planned reforms, the sale of e-scooters to anyone under the age of 18 would be prohibited, while retailers would also be barred from selling scooters that fail to meet the legal standards required for use on public roads. The legislation is expected to classify e-scooters as mechanically propelled vehicles by the end of 2026.
Road Safety Minister Seán Canney said the Government is moving quickly to address growing concerns surrounding e-scooter safety, adding that further measures affecting cyclists are also under active consideration.
"Absolutely, it could be applied to cyclists, and we've discussed that this morning. But I think the enormity of the problem we have at the moment with the e-scooters is something we need to address quickly, and that's why we're bringing in these regulations and this emergency legislation now," he said.
While details of how the proposed licensing system for e-scooters would operate have yet to be clarified, Canney confirmed that mandatory helmets, high-visibility clothing and bicycle registration plates are among the options being examined for cyclists.
"Mandating personal protective equipment for cyclists is something that we are looking at and considering," he said.
The minister stressed that no final decision has been made on introducing compulsory helmet use for cyclists but said the Government intends to assess the effectiveness of the new e-scooter regulations before deciding whether similar measures should be extended.
"I don't want to be making bold statements that we're going to put helmets on every cyclist. We will look and see how we will progress with scooters, what effect it will have. If it's a benefit, then of course we will look at helmets and hi-vis on cyclists as well," he said.
The proposals have already prompted criticism from representatives of Ireland's cycling community.
Cycling Ireland president Ciarán Cannon said that while wearing helmets is a sensible personal choice, making helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory would not address the primary causes of serious collisions involving cyclists.
"Helmets are sensible, and many people choose to wear them, but presenting mandatory helmets and hi-vis as a serious road safety intervention is misleading," Cannon said.
He argued that the proposed measures would place additional legal obligations on vulnerable road users while failing to tackle the factors that contribute most to road danger.
"It is performative policy-making that diverts attention from real risks and risks making our streets less safe, not more."
Cannon added that the greatest threats facing cyclists and e-scooter users stem from motor traffic rather than a lack of protective equipment.
"The greatest danger to people cycling or using scooters does not come from their clothing or headwear. It comes from motor traffic speed, volume and road design. Helmets do not prevent collisions. High-visibility clothing does not slow vehicles, fix junctions or address dangerous overtaking."
The Government's proposed legislation is expected to be considered by Cabinet in the coming days as ministers move forward with what would represent one of the most significant overhauls of road safety rules for cyclists and e-scooter users in recent years.
