New tax breaks for cyclists are worth "closely considering" to get more commuters riding to work, the Federal Opposition says.

Nine bicycle organisations have made the case for new "ride to work" incentives, in a submission to the Government's tax white paper.

They want cyclists to be allowed to salary sacrifice bikes, helmets and lights up to a capped value of $1,500, in a similar way to how cars are currently salary packaged.

"There are tax implications for private motor vehicles — why is it that active transport has been excluded from that consideration?" Labor's transport spokesman Anthony Albanese said.

"The community should be looking at ways of encouraging active transport."

Cycling lobby groups argue the move would be popular, reduce traffic congestion and improve the health of large parts of the community.

They also want employers to be able to depreciate "end of trip" facilities like bike stands or storage, showers and change rooms.

Groups are hoping the Prime Minister Tony Abbott's passion for pedal power makes him take notice of their submission.

"The scheme in the UK is a good model," Cycling Promotion Fund's Stephen Hodge said, referring to the UK's Ride to Work Scheme, which has attracted more than 450,000 participants since it was introduced nine years ago.

"When more people cycle good things happen. We improve the health of a nation.

"The workers who ride to work take on average one less sick day a year, so you're getting better productivity."

The cycling groups — which include Pedal Power Canberra, Bicycle NSW, Bicycle NT, Bicycle QLD, Bike SA, Bicycling Western Australia, Mountain Bike Australia and West Cycle — also suggested introducing a tax-free mileage allowance, similar to the one in Belgium.

It would provide businesses a refund for every kilometre an employee rides.

They also argue commuters should get tax-free membership to state cycling organisations, so that bike riders get accident and third-party insurance cover.

"Some of these measures are more meritorious than others," Mr Albanese said.

"They need to be looked at closely ... but yeah, bikes are increasingly important.

"They provide benefit to the individual and the society and we should take a look."