Almost 90 per cent of cyclists in Belconnen believe the region's cycling is inadequate and dangerous, a study commissioned by Pedal Power shows.
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The study, which was lodged in the ACT Legislative Assembly this week, recommends a number of changes to increase cyclist safety and to encourage more active lifestyles.
A Pedal Power spokesman said the submission would draw the ACT government's attention to a perceived lack of bike paths, confusion about cyclist lanes, and a lack of bike racks or cages on public transport.
"The submission also highlights a number of opportunities and quick-wins to help increase safety for cyclists, and encourage more people to embrace active transport in Belconnen," he said.
"These include the opportunity to convert the now disused Joynton Smith Drive busway into a car-free route that could better link Coulter Drive and the Belconnen Mall, and improve access for those living in Florey, Flynn and McKellar."
The survey found more than two-thirds of the 155 cyclists surveyed felt unsafe when riding near the Belconnen town centre.
The survey comes as Territory and Municipal Services Minister Shane Rattenbury joined ACT Policing Chief Officer Rudi Lammers on Friday to launch a series of advertisements calling on motorists to share the road.
The $150,000 "same rights, same rules" campaign will air from Sunday night until the end of March.
Using gentle humour, the advertisements will be played on radio, television, in cinemas and online. .
"It is particularly about the vulnerability of cyclists and their responsibilities on the road," Mr Rattenbury said.
"Motorists have a special responsibility to look out for cyclists and other road users. Cyclists do have the same rights as a motor vehicle on the road in terms of use of traffic lanes and the like but with that comes a set of responsibilities."
The campaign is supported by Pedal Power and the NRMA.
Assistant Commissioner Lamers said 53 people had died on ACT roads in the past five years, including 13 motorcyclists and three cyclists.
"The campaign encourages people to work co-operatively on the roads and to watch out for each other to stay safe," he said.
"I think some people will be surprised that the law applies equally to cyclists as they do to motor vehicles. Our target is to raise awareness and to keep everyone safe."
