The laws regarding bicycle use on P.E.I. need to be updated in order to make them clearer and safer, says Cycling PEI.

Executive director Mike Connolly told CBC News Thursday most cyclists have no idea what is expected of them.

"I think it's a little bit outdated," said Connolly.

"It may need to be revamped or be made more specific for certain pieces of the legislation.

Examples of laws many cyclists are unaware of is the need for a bell or another audible signal that can be heard from 30 metres away, and that it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk.

Connolly said the sidewalk rules should be amended to allow children to ride there.

"That would protect all the young kids," he said.

"If they're riding with 12-inch wheels or 16-inch wheels, that could be a concession added to the law to put a bit more sense into it and to allow younger children to ride on the sidewalk with their parents."

Act being reviewed

Laws that apply to cyclists fall under P.E.I.'s Highway Traffic Act, and director of highway safety John MacDonald said the province is reviewing the act.

"We're looking at things like trying to identify redundant sections, or any overlap or duplication," said MacDonald.

"This would include that bicycle section and cycling section that's currently in the Highway Safety Act."

If the province does update the act the earliest that would happen is next spring.