How much clearance should you give a bicyclist when passing?

• A. At least three feet.
• B. One foot.
• C. Ten feet.
• D. Six inches.

Answer: (A)

Give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. This buffer accounts for the rider’s possible wobble or sudden steering to avoid debris, as well as wind gusts and the car’s own movement in the lane. It also reduces the risk of dooring from nearby parked cars and gives you room to smoothly return to your lane after completing the pass. If you can’t safely spare three feet due to traffic or lane width, slow down and wait until you can pass with the safe margin, or choose a time to pass when the lane is wider. One foot or six inches isn’t enough to protect the cyclist, and ten feet is more than the minimum needed and can be impractical in normal traffic.