National cyclist count underway

Volunteers are out in force counting bike riders to help identify how Australia's cities can become more bicycle friendly.

Bicycle Network's Super Tuesday Commuter Bike Count is taking place at 800 sites across NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia between 7am and 9am.

The count, conducted by volunteers at major intersections, is also recording information including the directions riders are headed and what time, and their gender.

Organisers hope the count can "improve conditions for bike riders and encourage more people to be physically active".

"By establishing a consistent measure of Australia's bike riding patterns, we can show how many people are riding and where they are going. This further strengthens the case for investment in better bicycle facilities," Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said in a statement.

Local governments are expected to use the count to guide their bike riding investments and programs.