The minimum overtaking distance trial for cyclists and motorists needs to be backed by more extensive awareness campaigns and improved education for learner drivers, according to an ACT cycling lobby.
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According to Pedal Power ACT, just 30 per cent of cyclists who responded to their most recent survey thought drivers had provided more space on the road after the "metre matters" trial started in November.
The trial rules have now been operating for almost six months, requiring passing drivers to keep a distance of at least a metre from cyclists at lower speeds and a metre-and-a-half at speeds above 60km/h.
The ACT followed Queensland's lead, which started a similar two-year trial in 2014. That state's main motoring lobby, RACQ, last week called for the rules to be made permanent on the grounds it had "saved lives".
"Two years ago we were worried that legislation may not have the desired effect of helping bring down the number of serious and fatal crashes involving cyclists on our roads, however we're encouraged by initial findings and it's a move our members support," the executive general manager of advocacy, Paul Turner, said.
"The positive outcomes the rule has already had in giving motorists more certainty in how much space to allow when travelling alongside bikes, and better peace of mind for cyclists are a win for all road users."
Pedal Power ACT external services officer Rachel Lynskey said the organisation supported the introduction in Canberra, but said it was not the overall solution to cyclist safety.
"The legislation change is an important trigger, but a legislation change alone does not create safer riding conditions," she said.
"It should be a part of multiple initiatives."
The data Pedal Power provided about cyclists' views to the legislation was recorded in December, with no more recent survey results available.
However, the same survey found cyclists were overwhelmingly in favour of the trial.
Ms Lynskey said the legislation should be accompanied by improved education about cyclists for both learner and heavy vehicle drivers, as well as improved infrastructure on urban roads.
Changes to training for younger drivers about sharing the road with cyclists has been flagged as part of the ACT Road Safety, as well as funding to increase the network of shared pedestrian-cycling paths across Canberra.
A "vulnerable road user" safety improvement plan covering pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike riders will also be created, which will aim to improve safety in areas of high risk.
