The Government is considering forcing cyclists to display registration plates, wear high-visibility vests and helmets as part of a major road safety clampdown.
The measures are being examined alongside new restrictions on e-scooters, which will face a ban for under-18s next month, plus mandatory hi-vis vests and helmets for riders.
E-Scooter Crackdown
Legislation to be brought to Cabinet next week will treat e-scooters as mechanically propelled vehicles by the end of 2026. The sale of e-scooters to minors and the sale of non-compliant scooters will be banned.
Road Safety Minister Seán Canney told Today FM that e-scooters would be treated like 'mopeds', though Government spokespeople did not clarify how licensing would work.
Extension to Cyclists
Speaking on The Last Word, Minister Canney confirmed the same measures for cyclists are under consideration: "Absolutely [it could be applied to cyclists], and we've discussed that this morning."
He added: "I think the enormity of the problem we have at the moment with the e-scooters is something we need to address quickly... 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."
Cycling Community Fury
Ciarán Cannon, president of Cycling Ireland and former Fine Gael minister, hit back hard:
"Helmets are sensible... but presenting mandatory helmets and hi-vis as a serious road safety intervention is misleading. It is performative policy-making that diverts attention from real risks and risks making our streets less safe, not more."
He argued: "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."
Cannon warned that criminalising non-use would shift blame onto victims in collision cases: "The aftermath of a collision would centre not on the causes of danger - speed, road design or driver behaviour - but on the clothing worn by the person injured or killed. That is not prevention. It is a policy choice that redistributes blame rather than reducing risk. It is also deeply irresponsible."
He added that mandatory requirements would reduce uptake of safer, cleaner transport, making roads "more car-dominated, and more dangerous overall."
The E-Scooter Problem
The clampdown follows alarming data from Children's Health Ireland (CHI):
50% increase in children admitted with traumatic brain injuries from e-scooters in the last 12 months
One to two children a day presenting at emergency departments this summer with e-scooter injuries
Over one-third of all paediatric traumatic brain injury admissions to CHI Temple Street in 2026 were e-scooter related
Garda Seizures
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly told the meeting at Government Buildings that 1,412 e-scooters have been seized this year, with 793 prosecutions for possession.
The Decision
The meeting - attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan, Minister Canney and Commissioner Kelly - opted for the most lenient option despite the Taoiseach previously leaning towards an outright ban.
An options paper ruled out a full ban, noting "legitimate uses for e-scooters" including commuting, and that "children is where the greatest risk is."
The Taoiseach confirmed laws will also be introduced to "protect gardaí who are in pursuit" of those breaking e-scooter laws.