Hundreds of cyclists have braved the threat of rain to take part in a memorial ride in Brunswick to honour the cyclist killed last week.

Alberto Paulon, a 25-year-old Italian chef, was riding south on Sydney Road, Brunswick, last Friday, when he was knocked onto the road by a person who opened their parked car's door.

He was then hit by a truck and died at the scene.

More than 500 cyclists descended upon The Avenue, Parkville, late on Friday to pay their respects and demand more driving education.

Memorial organiser Edward Hore, from Australian Cycle Alliance, said the ride was also in honour of all cyclists who had been killed in the same situation.

"We are all very vulnerable, so when things like this happen, we do like to come together to celebrate and commiserate."

He said more grade separation between motorists and cars, such as Copenhagen-style bike lanes, could help improve safety.

Several of Mr Paulon's friends and family were present, including his fiance, Christina Canedda. She told Fairfax Media she was coping as best she could since his death.

"I have support from a lot of people," she said, urging drivers to be more careful.

Simon Gillett, from the Amy Gillett Foundation, said it was impossible to legislate respect from motorists.

"If we had respect from all road users, we'd be in a much better spot," he told the crowd.

Among those taking part were several children, dressed in green and Darth Vader Star Wars costumes - Mr Paulon's favourite colour and film.

Sydney Road is one of the most dangerous stretches of roads for cyclists in the state; riders must navigate around cars, trams and pedestrians.

The Andrews government will lower the speed limit along Sydney Road to 40km/h.

Brunswick MP Jane Garrett said Mr Paulon's death was a tragedy, but his legacy would be to make cycling safer.

She said there was no one answer but multiple issues needed to be addressed, including changing the current car-dominated culture.

"Traffic-calming measures do play a role, so the measures we made about slowing traffic as you're turning into Sydney Road, stopping right-hand turns and lowering the speed limit are important," she said.

Greens transport spokeswoman Samantha Dunn said she would reintroduce a bill to Parliament which would require drivers to leave at least a metre when passing a cyclist at 60km/h or less, and 1.5 metres when driving faster.

"Similar protections have been legislated in Queensland, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. Victoria deserves the same," Ms Dunn said.

As the riders started to ride down Sydney Road, hundreds rang their bells in Mr Paulon's honour.