People over the age of 17 should be able to choose if they want to wear a helmet when riding on cycling paths or trails, the Bicycle Network said in a report released on Wednesday.

"Our recommendation is to give people the freedom to choose if they wear a helmet in low risk circumstances, because that's what bike riding is ultimately all about - freedom," chief executive Craig Richards said.

The organisation wants mandatory helmet laws to be relaxed for a five-year trial.

The move comes after it supported the introduction of mandatory helmet laws in the 1990s but more recently undertook a 14-month policy review.

"It's clear that our bike policies aren't working, so it's important that we review everything," Mr Richards said.

However the organisation doesn't back a complete repeal because not enough has been done to separate cars and bikes.

Australian Associated Press