THINK of lycra and one word springs to mind: Bright.

And love it or loathe it, lycra certainly helps cyclists stand out on the road.

After a near miss early yesterday, one motorist is asking cyclists to consider donning the material - or at least something as brightly coloured - when they hit the road.

John Jacklin said it was at an intersection where he had the close encounter.

"I was driving past the Sovereign Hotel and came to a give way sign," he said.

"I saw there were no cars so I went across (the road) and this guy on a push bike was coming down Guy St and I didn't even see him."

He said it was a matter of life or death if cyclists were to blend in with their surroundings.

"They should have to wear high visibility clothing," he said.

"I feel, as a driver of a vehicle, if you were to hit anyone, they're the ones who are going to come off second best.

"It's the same with motorbikes; they're always hard to see. We have got to keep our eyes peeled, so they (bike riders) should have to do their part too."

Local cyclist Tony Simonelli said most bike riders wore appropriate clothing.

"We also try to provide night time clothing and try and be more aware about the other users of the road," he said.

A spokesman for Warwick police said it wasn't law for cyclists to wear brightly coloured clothing, just commonsense.

"Night time they have to have their lights on front and rear," he said.

"During day time they just have to wear a helmet and they're supposed to have a bell on the bike, but that's usually more for pedestrians so they can warn them they're coming."

The police officer recommended cyclists wear bright clothing "or anything on the bicycle to make themselves more visible". Fortunately, he said accidents involving cyclists and cars were few and far between in Warwick.

"I only know of a couple and none of them were major, no major injuries," he said.

"But generally we don't have too many crashes involving bicycles."

He said all cyclists and motorbike riders should err on the side of caution and be on alert and ready for other motorists to make mistakes.

Bike rules

Must wear helmets and have bike lights when riding

Bright clothing recommended

Riding banned in CBD in accordance with signs

Riders to be aware of pedestrians on footpaths