Changes to road rules in South Australia will let cyclists of all ages ride on footpaths and ensure cars keep a minimum distance from riders.

The rules will apply from October 25, Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said.

"Under the changes, motorists will be required to keep at least one metre from a cyclist when the speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour or under, and at least 1.5 metres clear when the speed limit is over 60kph," he said.

"If a driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic and can do so safely, they will be allowed to drive to the right of the road and cross double lines to overtake a cyclist."

Mr Mullighan said the one-metre clearance already applied in Queensland and was being considered for Victoria, Western Australia and the ACT.

Opposition frontbencher Corey Wingard expressed concern about any overtaking of cyclists which could put motorists on the wrong side of double lines.

"That becomes a really big concern. We see commonsense being a key to the implementation of these regulations because if people do start to get paranoid, if people do start to swerve to really avoid cyclists and push over into other lanes that can become a problem," he said.

South Australian motorists caught breaching the minimum distance rules could face a fine of $347 and the loss of two demerit points.

The formalised changes to road rules stemmed from the recommendations of a citizens' jury held last year on safely sharing the roads.

"Cyclists this summer will be able to use our roads knowing there will be new rules in place to enhance their safety," Mr Mullighan said.

"We will also soon launch a new public education campaign to promote the changes before they come into effect later this month."

Motoring organisation the RAA said it hoped more people would take up cycling because it would be legal to ride on footpaths, a view also expressed by advocacy group Bicycle SA.

The advocacy group said accident data showed motorists were at fault in four out of five road collisions with cyclists.