The peak body for cyclists in WA has welcomed Government plans to allow riders of all ages to use footpaths, but pedestrians have raised concerns about sharing the sidewalks.

Currently only children under 12 are legally allowed to ride on footpaths, but the Department of Transport is working on changes to the Road Traffic Code to lift age restrictions.

The move has been welcomed by Westcycle's chief executive Matt Fulton.

"Ninety-one per cent of cyclists actually fear riding on the roads, so it's targeted towards those people at the moment who aren't comfortable riding on busy roads," Mr Fulton said.

He said it would benefit people who want to take short, local trips and parents who wanted to cycle with their children to school.

Unlike other states however, there are no plans to institute a speed limit for when using footpaths, and 720 ABC Perth was contacted by numerous callers concerned about pedestrian safety.

"As a pedestrian I have lost count of how many times I have nearly been hit by men riding their bikes on footpaths even though it was illegal, so heaven help us if it does become legal," Anne said via SMS.

"It's called a footpath for a reason," said Clare. "Bikes are a fast moving mode of transport and should be on the road."

Others welcomed the change, including caller Belinda who said she already uses footpaths to cycle on.

"I'd rather risk a fine than my life," she said.

"As someone who rides a bike very casually and at a relaxed pace, and having been hit by a car while riding a bicycle on the road as a teenager, I already considerately use footpaths when I ride my bike."

Bike speed on footpaths to be 'self-regulated'

Mr Fulton said that despite the lack of speed limit, he believes riders who use footpaths will choose an appropriate speed.

"We are not going to see pelotons of 20 riders in lycra on a footpath.

"Those people doing 40-kilometres per hour on the roads are not going to want to ride on a footpath with pedestrians."

A sign on a shared cycling and walking path in Cottesloe. ( Audience submitted: Jo Beeson )

He said mutual respect will be the key to successful path sharing.

"I certainly ask all cyclists out there to consider using the footpath to show respect to pedestrians," he said.

"Use your bells, ride at an appropriate speed and if you are going to ride at a quicker speed, the roads are there and you have every right to use the road."

Other people were more sceptical that long-running tensions between cyclists and pedestrians could be resolved.

"I think that, really, cyclists and walkers are never going to mix," wrote listener Anne.

"Cyclists using dual use paths just have to accept that their ride is going to be interrupted and slow.

"Pedestrians are unpredictable, particularly children, and deserve the right to listen to music or let their minds wander when walking. Not everyone on the path is exercising.

"I think the focus needs to be on safe bike lanes and dedicated bike paths."