An Adelaide council wants all cyclists to wear high-visibility strips or clothing in an attempt to improve safety.

The City of West Torrens is pushing a plan to make cyclists and mobility scooter riders wear a hi-vis item on their body and their helmets at all times of day.

The idea will be considered by all of the state's councils in October, but bicycle users have described the idea as concerning and embarrassing.

Councillor Arthur Mangos said he had wanted a hi-vis rule for children, but it had expanded to all cyclists at the suggestion of other elected members.

"Reversing out of my own driveway, I nearly bowled over a small child, and if I had seen the hi-vis helmet, and bright orange or bright green, I would have been more aware," he said.

Councillor Mangos said he had another near-miss with a cyclist travelling "at 30 kilometres an hour" down the footpath past his parents' house.

"The cyclist was on Henley Beach Road, at night, pitch black, and I could not see the cyclist," he said.

"I think it should be compulsory, and not only for South Australia, but all of Australia, have it as an Australian national safety rule."

Hi-vis rule would be problematic: cyclist lobby

The bicycle users and lobby group, Bike SA, said cyclists were encouraged to obey the law, use the necessary lights and wear "light and bright" clothing.

But chief executive Christian Haag challenged West Torrens council to produce evidence that hi-vis items would protect cyclists.

"I remind all motorists that when they navigate over a footpath, it's their responsibility to look out for pedestrians and cyclists," he said.

"The expectation that one particular road user needs to wear high-visibility vests I think is concerning."

Mr Haag said it was a problematic idea considering the international Tour Down Under cycling race in Adelaide each January, and the influx of bike-riding tourists.

"We just see this as another barrier to getting people on bikes, and as we know, getting more folks on bikes creates a basket of benefits for our community, whether it's better health outcomes or reduced congestion," he said.

"If there's an expectation that people will be required to purchase and wear high visibility items then really that's a huge barrier to getting people on bikes and will simply reduce the number of people riding."

Councillor Mangos predicted "common sense would prevail" and a majority of councils would support the West Torrens plan at the Local Government Association (LGA) meeting in October.