The clear disrespect some motorists showed cyclists on the road called for a set of regulations that improved safety, the cyclists' federation said.

The death of cyclist Cliff Micallef, who was run over by a car in a hit-and-run accident earlier this month, highlighted the need for a road safety campaign for both motorists and cyclists, federation president John Zammit added.

The federation organised activities to teach young riders how to be safe on the road, he said. It was now time to teach motorists how to be cautious.

Mr Zammit called on the authorities to provide safe areas where cyclists could practice their sport and involve the federation when deciding on such matters.

He also called on cyclists to join the federation to ensure they were briefed on any updates.

Last week the authorities were noncommittal on whether they would overhaul bicycle lanes even though existing ones have come in for a barrage of criticism from keen cyclists following Mr Micallef's death on the Coast Road.

The day after the accident 21-year-old Anthony Taliana, from Ħamrun, was charged with the involuntary homicide of Mr Micallef and driving while drunk.