The $1.5 million works covering 10 kilometres of the highway included sealed shoulders to give extra space for cyclists, more line markings and signage, and head-start boxes at some traffic lights.

Tamar Bicycle Users Group believed the upgrades were "a good step" towards improving safety and encouraging more people in the growth area of Riverside to Legana to take up cycling for their commute into town.

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TBUG president Malcolm Reid said it formed part of a range of upgrades the group would like to see in that transport corridor.

"The shoulders have been sealed, which is something we've often complained about," he said.

"In the longer term, the best solution in terms of providing a real choice for people in commuting would be providing an off-road trail between Launceston and Legana.

"If we really want to encourage people to ride bikes not just for recreation but for health and active transport, they're the options we have to look at."

While safety had improved from York Street to Cormiston Road, the group believed there were still too many cars parked in the way, and encouraged solutions to further clear the path.

TBUG believed a cycling trail along the river could be the best option to link Legana.

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Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said identifying new cycling paths was a priority.

"The government is also working with the Bicycle Network and local councils around the state to develop a $6 million program of new cycle paths, linking local cycling routes with state-owned cycling infrastructure," he said.

Mr Ferguson said encouraging cycling through better infrastructure would reduce traffic congestion and lead to healthier outcomes.