The "dangerous" obstacle had been built into the new cycle path being constructed in Weston Creek, south of Hindmarsh Drive, between Waramanga and Stirling, terminating at Fisher.

"It was a raised concrete structure with a concrete edge about 20cm high and a flat top - in fact, it was curiously similar to the shape and size of a coffin," Pedal Power said.

"We guessed it may have been put in place to stop cars using the paths but it resulted in making the shared path very dangerous for riders."

"Barriers like this are to be installed only as a last resort after all other options have been tried and failed, so we asked [Transport Canberra and City Services] to explain why it had been built into a brand new path.

"Thankfully, once the matter was investigated the 'coffin' was quickly removed."