Cyclists came out in force on Sunday to protest against the state government's decision to remove a bike path from the city's central business district.

The government plans to remove the dedicated north-south cycleway on College Street in favour of a bus lane. It will be replaced by two new cycleways down Castlereagh Street and Liverpool Street.

Bicycle NSW chief executive Ray Rice criticised the government for failing to take into account cyclists' safety.

"What they haven't really considered is the 2000 riders per day who will continue to ride this area as it's the best route from the eastern suburbs to the Macquarie Street area."