When passing a cyclist, what minimum clearance should you maintain?

When passing a cyclist, what minimum clearance should you maintain?

• A. At least six feet of clearance
• B. At least three feet of clearance
• C. At least one foot of clearance
• D. No minimum distance is required

Answer: (B)

Give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when you pass. This legal minimum protects riders from being clipped by your mirrors or sides, helps account for unexpected movements, and reduces the risk from debris or sudden gusts. If the road isn’t wide enough to pass with three feet, slow down and wait for a safe opportunity to pass with the required space (or let the cyclist go by first). The other distances aren’t the legal minimum, and no minimum distance isn’t allowed.

Give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when you pass. This legal minimum protects riders from being clipped by your mirrors or sides, helps account for unexpected movements, and reduces the risk from debris or sudden gusts. If the road isn’t wide enough to pass with three feet, slow down and wait for a safe opportunity to pass with the required space (or let the cyclist go by first). The other distances aren’t the legal minimum, and no minimum distance isn’t allowed.