What minimum clearance should you maintain when passing a cyclist?

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

Answer: (D)

When you’re passing a cyclist, you should give them a safe buffer of three feet. That space helps account for the rider’s possible sudden movements, the door openings from parked cars, and any gusts of wind or wheel wobble that could push you closer than you intend. With three feet, you’re reducing the risk of a sideswipe and giving yourself a clear margin to steer back into your lane after you’ve passed.

If the road is narrow or there are parked cars, you may need to wait for a larger gap or slow down until you can pass with that three-foot clearance, then re-enter the lane once the cyclist is clear. Signaling, checking mirrors and blind spots, and ensuring you’re fully past the rider before returning to the lane are important steps to keep the passage safe for everyone.