What is the minimum safe passing clearance when overtaking a bicyclist?

What is the minimum safe passing clearance when overtaking a bicyclist?

• A. One foot
• B. Two feet
• C. Three feet
• D. Four feet

Answer: (C)

When you’re overtaking a bicyclist, you must leave at least three feet of space between your vehicle and the rider. This buffer protects the cyclist from debris, wind, or sudden movements, and it reduces the risk of a collision if the rider wobbles or shifts position. If the road is too narrow to maintain three feet, you should slow down and wait until you can pass safely with the required clearance, or find a safe place to pass. Even with a bike lane, the three-foot rule applies to give the rider room to ride safely. So three feet is the minimum standard; more space is safer, but that minimum is what the law requires.

When you’re overtaking a bicyclist, you must leave at least three feet of space between your vehicle and the rider. This buffer protects the cyclist from debris, wind, or sudden movements, and it reduces the risk of a collision if the rider wobbles or shifts position. If the road is too narrow to maintain three feet, you should slow down and wait until you can pass safely with the required clearance, or find a safe place to pass. Even with a bike lane, the three-foot rule applies to give the rider room to ride safely. So three feet is the minimum standard; more space is safer, but that minimum is what the law requires.