Cycle Network spokeswoman Nicola Bould told an Otago Regional Transport Committee hearing this week two rail bridges on the path took cyclists "incredibly close" to the rail tracks.
The path, between Maia and St Leonards, connects with the newly formed west harbour cycleway into Dunedin and crosses two causeways.
Ms Bould said her concern was over two "skinny" railway bridges on the causeways where she feared a cyclist might be hit by a train.
"If the train's coming towards you, it's not a problem. But if the train's coming from behind you, you tend not to be able to hear it because there's wind in your ears. And that's the problem."
She said "heaps" of people used the path - either cycling or walking - and they had to pass a "danger" sign to get there.
KiwiRail public affairs manager Kevin Ramshaw said Dunedin staff had taken "all reasonable steps possible" to discourage the public from using the path, including the posting of trespass notices.
He said obstructing the track was dangerous "as people are inclined to walk along the actual rail line to get around any obstacles in their path".
He said there was a "set of protocols" for rail interaction with cycleways and "a modest fence" was the "very least" required for safe separation.
The committee heard several submissions supporting the extension of the existing cycle-way between Port Chalmers and Dunedin.
Cycle network spokesman Steve Walker suggested the Dunedin City Council and the Otago Regional Council join forces to put up a case for some of the recently announced $50 million of government funding for cycleways.
"Surely a cycleway from Aramoana to Taiaroa Head . . . would have to rate as the most beautiful . . . in the world."
The committee's budget contains a figure of $4,903,212 for cycle and pedestrian facilities linking Dunedin and Port Chalmers, but Government approval is still required.
West Harbour resident John Neilson said cycleways on existing streets adjacent to SH88 could reduce the cost.
