BENDIGO cyclists say most motorists are courteous but there is still more work to be done towards sharing the road in harmony.
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They say people need to be more patient and know they can ride two abreast legally.
Their comments come after Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay came out in emphatic support of cyclists' right to be on the road.
Mr Lay said it was the responsibility of all motorists to be vigilant about bike riders' safety.
Mr Lay's firm pro-cycling comments feature in a YouTube video clip that has not been officially released, but has been obtained by Fairfax Media.
''Bikes are classified as vehicles, and like cars, they have the right to use our roads,'' Mr Lay says.
''The vulnerability of cyclists does put the responsibility on motorists to drive safely and in a way that doesn't risk the life of cyclists.''
The Bendigo Advertiser spoke to a group of cyclists on Saturday morning while they were enjoying a coffee after their ride.
Rover, who did not wish to use his full name, said Bendigo was pretty good because cycling was so ingrained in the city.
"We're slowing starting to come to around Bendigo now because we're such a big biking place," he said.
"The more people you have on the road the more respect you get on the road because it's someone's wife riding, it's someone's husband or child."
Rover said it was in riders' best interests to maintain a respectful relationship with motorists.
"Most decent bike riders are looking after themselves just as much - they don't want to be hit by a car," he said.
"A lot of bike riders will see a car that can't get past and they'll go single file to let them past, they'll wave the car through.
"A lot of courtesy goes on between bike riders and cars.
"And some cars show courtesy to bikes and they let you all go through, it's getting better.
"But there is always more to be done - it's common knowledge you don't ride around Bendigo on a Friday afternoon and at school times or knock off times you just don't get on your bike."
David, who also did not wish to use his surname, said more awareness was needed about road rules.
"That's the main thing," he said.
"Some people kick up a stink that you're taking up too much of the road."