The Government is considering making helmets compulsory for cyclists in the Republic of Ireland and may do so claiming crashes involving e-scooter users are increasing concerns around all micromobility device users.
The number of e-scooter users, especially teenagers, suffering head and other injuries in crashes is a growing cause of concern for the authorities. And as changes are being considered for them, in a bid to shore up safety, the Government has said those reforms may also be applied to cyclists.
At present, cyclists are not required to wear helmets on the roads of the Republic. However, clubs do not allow cyclists join their training rides if they are not wearing helmets. But while many cyclists also wear them for commuting, and other short journeys, others don't.
Moves to make helmets compulsory for cyclists have been mooted before and never acted on as international research has shown such laws reduce the number of people traveling by bike. But that may be about to change, according to Minister for State at the Department of Transport Sean Canney.
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"Department officials engage regularly with An Garda Siochana on enforcement of e-scooter regulations," he said in response to a Dáil question about reviewing current e-scooter regulations to make helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory.
"Officials have asked them to provide any suggestions or changes to legislation that would assist them in the fulfilment of their enforcement role. Protective equipment is, as for bicycles and e-bikes, strongly advised but not mandatory in Ireland.
"The Road Safety Authority, which is responsible for public education and awareness, frequently undertakes campaigns to promote, among pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users, the need for personal protective equipment and visibility on our roads.
"The safety benefits of reflective clothing and helmets are set out in detail in the Rules of the Road Booklet. The Department has begun examining this issue, with a view to considering mandating helmets for these and other vulnerable micromobility users, should the evidence support such a change, and I intend to bring forward proposals in this regard in the near future."
