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A pair of city councillors want to quash a bylaw that makes it illegal to ride bicycles side by side.

The infrequently enforced rule dates back to pre-amalgamation days, when Metro Toronto required cyclists to ride single file on arterial roads.

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A new bylaw, enacted in 2011 but not yet enforceable, follows the lead of Etobicoke and slaps the restriction on all city streets, at any time of day. Offenders could be fined $60.

Midtown councillors Karen Stintz and Josh Colle are asking city council to repeal the new bylaw before it takes effect, suggesting it is unnecessary and may put cyclists at risk.

The move was hailed by cycling advocates, especially a club with chapters in Leaside and High Park that goes out for 5:40 a.m. rides on Sundays. The Morning Glory Cycling Club has been pulled over and warned by police three times for not riding in a line.

“It’s very dangerous for cyclists to ride single file,” said Fraser Chapman, club co-founder and president, in part because it gives drivers the impression they can simply skirt around them, instead of changing lanes to pass. “The roads are tight and in poor repair and generally the worst part of the pavement is in the gutter.”