ALMOST 100,000 people have signed an online petition calling for cyclists to be forced to ride in single file on Australian roads.

The petition, organised by a group called Drivers For Registration of Cyclists, calls for a change to the law making it compulsory for all Australian cyclists to ride in a single file, rather than two abreast.

The group argues riding two abreast creates a hazard, particularly when combined with one-metre passing laws.

That law require drivers to leave a 1m gap when overtaking cyclists on a road with a 60km/h speed limit or a 1.5m gap on roads with a speed limit of more than 60km/h.

The group says those laws can force drivers into other lanes to avoid the cyclists.

Premier Mark McGowan says he finds big packs of cyclists blocking roads annoying but there needs to be more understanding from both sides.

"When people are on the roads there seems to be enhanced levels of anger and I'd just encourage everyone to cool down a little bit," he said.

Cycling groups say riding two abreast makes riders more visible and actually makes it easier for drivers to overtake them.

WestCycle CEO Matt Fulton says there are situations when cyclists should move into single file.

"Whilst it is the law, there's certainly occassions when you're holding up traffic, if there's build up behind you, it's appropriate to go single file, let the traffic go past and then go back into your formation of two abreast," he said.

The petition is also calling for cyclist to be banned from riding on all roads without bike lanes where the speed limit is 80km/h or higher.