The number of fines issued to cyclists in New South Wales since news laws came into effect this year has risen compared to the same period last year, police statistics reveal.

The total number went up from 990 to 1,545 - a 56 per cent increase compared to the same March-April period last year.

More instances of riders not properly wearing an approved helmet were recorded, rising by 55 per cent from 710 to 1,098.

The number of cyclists fined for travelling with passengers without a helmet also doubled, as did infringements for cyclists without a working warning device like a bell.

A large percentage increase was recorded for infringements over riding on a footpath, which rose from 101 to 166 - a jump of over 64 per cent.

The NSW laws include a hike in fines for cyclists who fail to wear a helmet or stop for a red light.

The Government also intends to introduce legislation that would force riders to carry ID from early next year.

Motorists are required to leave a one-metre gap when passing riders at 60 kilometres per hour or less, and a 1.5m gap when travelling over that speed.

State Roads Minister Duncan Gay said he was "disappointed" cyclists continued to ignore safety rules.

"That means people are not doing the right thing," he said.

But Mr Gay added it was too early to say if the figures reinforced the necessity of the laws.

'Jury's out' on whether laws have improved safety

Bicycle NSW chief executive Ray Rice said whether the laws had increased cyclist and driver safety remained to be seen.

"The jury's still out on that one," he said. "The real safety benefits will be in the proper education and enforcement of a minimum passing distance."

Cyclists protested against the news laws in January that enforce licence carrying. ( ABC News: David Spicer )

Yet motorists not passing cyclists at a safe distance were fined on only four occasions.

"Four infringements does seem disproportionately low compared to the number of infringements given to bicycle riders, so we hope that the police will be able to work on that and back up those regulations with better compliance monitoring," Mr Rice said.

But Mr Gay said that particular infringement figure showed drivers were doing "the right thing".

Mr Rice also noted the number of fines for running red lights was low, despite the offence being a part of new laws.

Holding onto a moving car saw a $319 fine under the laws, though only one infringement was issued last year, and no fines were recorded for this year's March-April period.

Sometimes drivers are too cautious, cyclist says

One cyclist, Andrew, rides on the Pacific Highway and Pennant Hills road and said drivers were too cautious around cyclists.

"I don't mind being passed by a competent driver within half a metre, but you find that people are so tentative that, it just builds up traffic behind the person who can't really judge a metre and won't pass," he said.

In a written statement, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander John Hartley said police will continue to do "whatever is necessary" to keep roads safe.

"Enforcement will always be necessary to educate road users in New South Wales," he said.

"So far this year, one cyclist has died on our roads, compared to two this time last year.

"While one death on the road is one too many, this gives some positive indication that riders and cyclists alike are taking personal responsibility for their road use."