The Transport Agency says a new generation of fully-protected lanes for cyclists will make them much safer.
The agency and Dunedin City Council have begun consulting the public on a four million dollar project to create one or two way separated cycle lanes along State Highway One.
The idea, which is spreading in many cities, was prompted by the death of two cyclists in the past two years.
The agency's projects team manager, Simon Underwood, says it has become clear cyclists have to fully separated from trucks and cars to be safe.
Mr Underwood says the aim is to stop deadly mistakes, such as someone opening a door without checking.
He says the agency and the council need feedback on whether the new lanes should go in one or both directions.