Red Bull Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo is based in Monaco and like many of his peers has often used cycling as a means of maintaining his fitness levels. But the recent death of former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden in a cycling accident in Italy, along with other high-profile road cycling deaths in recent years, is prompting a rethink.

"It's a tough one," Ricciardo told Fairfax Media before his third in the Monaco Grand Prix. "I'm devastated with the news [about Nicky Hayden] it was super, super sad how it all happened. I never knew him, met him personally, but I followed his career for a long time.

"It obviously makes me frustrated. I do do some road cycling but whether I will keep doing it I honestly don't know.

"It has certainly put me off and I have no desire to cycle on busy roads or anything like that. Maybe somewhere up in the hills somewhere, secluded from traffic, but otherwise I have certainly been put off it."

Hayden, who won the MotoGP title in 2006, died in hospital five days after a collision with a car while training on Italy's Adriatic Coast. The 35-year-old American's death came just over a month after 2011 Giro d'Italia winner Michele Scarponi died when hit by a truck while on a training ride in Filottrano, Italy.

Former Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber was also seriously injured in 2008 while on a charity bike ride in Tasmania. The resulting broken leg came at the height of Webber's powers at Red Bull Racing and made his stunning efforts in the 2009 title race even more remarkable.

Ricciardo, who has often tweeted his cycling adventures from the roads and hills around Monaco, says while cyclists have to be aware of their surroundings, some drivers clearly need to change their attitude when on the road.

"I think it is just awareness. A lot of drivers [are bad]. It kind of depends what country [you're in]," Ricciardo said. "You have got some countries [I've] cycled and there is massive respect for cyclists. It is kind of the culture, but then in others it is honking your horn and yelling abuse.

"So it is a little bit cultural at the moment, but unfortunately that proves how dangerous it can be and how obviously drivers - and on the bike you have to be aware as well - but the drivers really need to have respect. It is hit and miss unfortunately, some have massive respect for us and some don't."

Victoria has had six cycling-related deaths so far this year, two more than at the same time last year. This year's road toll stands at 104.