In light of a plan for making high-vis and helmets compulsory for e-scooter users, the Government are also looking at making the same personal protective equipment mandatory for cyclists, Minister of State Sean Canney, who has responsibility for road safety, told The Last Word radio show this afternoon.He was on air after the Government issued a statement on their decision to ban all under-18s from using e-scooters, make registration and licensing a requirement of use, and make high-vis and helmets mandatory for e-scooter users.The Government previously looked at high-vis and helmets for people on bicycles, but U-turned on this after a backlash. But at the time and afterwards, they said the measures could still be rolled out for users of pedel-assisted bicycles, which are generally counted the same as bicycles across Europe.Action on making the gear mandatory for people cycling could depend on how it works for scooter users, Minister of State Canney told Today FMs The Last Word with Matt Cooper/When presenter Cooper asked: If youre bringing in high-vis jackets and helmets, and also registration and licences for e-scooters, I suspect there are some of our listeners who will be wondering: Why not the same for bicycles?'Minister Canney said: Absolutely, and weve 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 thats why were bringing in these regulations and this emergency legislation now. But I would also say that we are looking at personal protective equipment, like helmets and high vis vests, and maybe for cyclists, is something that we are looking at and are considering, he said.Minister Canney said: And we also have e-bikes, which can go to speed as well, but they are better balanced than an e-scooter. An e-scooter is totally small wheels, very little, no suspension on them, and they just glide along. And if they stop abruptly, you just go over the handlebar. So I think its important. A bicycle doesnt work like that in terms of its balance. So I think its important that we deal with the very critical problem which we have right now.Cooper then asked: But if this works in relation to e-scooters, is it possible that bicycles could be next? That people will be required to register their bicycles, have a licence plate on them, wear a helmet, and wear a high vis jacket? Could that be possible?Minister of State Canney said: Yeah, but what I would say to you is I wouldnt be I dont want to be in a position where Im making bold statements that were going to put helmets on every cyclist. But we will look and see how we will progress with e-scooters, what effect it will have, and if its a benefit. Then, of course, we will look at helmets and high-viz on cyclists as well.In Irish and EU law, there is currently no distinction between pedal bicycles and those with electric assistance, provided the assistance cuts out at 25km/h, and the maximum continuous rated power does not exceed 250W.Earlier in the interview this afternoon, Minister Canney referred to planned helmets and high-vis not in safety terms but in terms of compliance and making it easier for Gardai to spot people not dressed in high-vis as more likely to be offenders. He was speaking in the context of Gardai having powers to chase people using illegal e-scooters. So there will be training required by the Garda on that. But also, I would say that, in itself, if somebody is spotted with no helmet on them, its very easy just to stand in front of them and say You dont have a helmet on you'. He added: I think that gives a bit more clarity to Garda on the street and they can see somebody doing something wrong or actually not having a helmet or high vis vest. That is a reason to take the e-scooter off them, and that in itself is a deterrent for people not to break the law.