Cyclists could get on-the-spot fines for using their phones, while riding on footpath restrictions could be relaxed, if recommendations in a new VicRoads report are introduced.

An independent report written for VicRoads as part of a cycling safety review released on Wednesday finds that neither cyclists nor motorists believe bike riding on Melbourne's roads is safe, with bad attitudes of car drivers partly to blame.

While using a mobile phone when cycling is illegal, the lack of on-the-spot-fine powers makes it difficult for police to enforce. The review recommends changing that law, while also giving cyclists right-of-way at intersections.

Currently motorists must give way to pedestrians crossing a road the car intends to turn into, but the same rule does not extend to cyclists.