THE region's top traffic cop has accused the city's cyclists of failing to obey basic rules.

Queensland Police Far Northern region traffic co-ordinator, Insp Bob Waters, said while there had to be "mutual respect" between all road users, "the main issue is non-compliance from cyclists".

"It's not from young people, but by adults failing to obey things like signs," he said.

"We need to see compliance with basic road rules (from cyclists) and it is evident around Cairns that isn't happening."

While locals often grumble about international cyclists, Insp Waters said the problem was more widespread.

"International students are highlighted, but you go into the suburbs and you will see local cyclists not doing the right thing," he said.

Insp Waters' comments are sure to further ignite the debate between cyclists and motorists over road rights.

It comes after the death of respected Cairns Base Hospital doctor Hossam El-Shazly in a collision with a truck on the Captain Cook Highway at Trinity Beach last Saturday.

In the days after the tragedy, The Cairns Post was flooded with letters and texts, some blaming drivers, others saying cyclists were "accidents waiting to happen".

In an opinion piece in today's The Weekend Post, Cairns Cycling Club president Richie Bates has referred to cyclists being treated "with contempt".

More people are opting for pedal power because of increasing environmental awareness and higher petrol prices, with bike stores recording surging sales.

Jay Marron from Pump 'n' Pedals, who has ridden to work in Cairns for 15 years, conceded some cyclists flouted the law, but said motorists made it worse by not respecting riders.

"Cairns is a great place for cycling given it's relatively flat and has warm weather," he said.

"However, a lot of people are put off by the traffic and there's an attitude among motorists that cyclists are a burden on the road."

But the RACQ's Jim Kershaw said cyclists were a source of frustration for many motorists.

"The biggest gripe is some (cyclists) don't seem too interested in obeying the law and some of them do things like go through red lights," he said.

"No one is blameless and it's important cyclists obey the road rules just as it is for motorists.

"At the same time motorists should be aware of cyclists and not suffer 'bike blindness'."

Cairns Regional Council Pedestrian and Cycling Focus Group chairwoman, Cr Kirsten Lesina, said the group was looking at new cycleways linking the city and suburbs.

The council had sought State Government funding for a pedestrian and cycle ways strategy, she said.

Barron River MP Steve Wettenhall has called for roundabout improvements on the Captain Cook Highway, after last week's tragedy.

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