What minimum distance should you give bicyclists when passing them?

What minimum distance should you give bicyclists when passing them?

• A. 2 feet
• B. 3 feet
• C. 4 feet
• D. 6 feet

Answer: (B)

Giving bicyclists enough space to maneuver is essential for safety. In California, when you pass a bicycle traveling in the same direction, you must leave at least three feet of clearance. That buffer helps protect the cyclist from being knocked off balance by your vehicle’s wake, from sudden lane movements, and from hazards like debris or a car door opening into their path. If you can’t pass with a three-foot gap, slow down and wait until you can pass safely with that clearance. While providing more than three feet is better when conditions allow, three feet is the minimum legally required and the standard you should aim for.

Giving bicyclists enough space to maneuver is essential for safety. In California, when you pass a bicycle traveling in the same direction, you must leave at least three feet of clearance. That buffer helps protect the cyclist from being knocked off balance by your vehicle’s wake, from sudden lane movements, and from hazards like debris or a car door opening into their path. If you can’t pass with a three-foot gap, slow down and wait until you can pass safely with that clearance. While providing more than three feet is better when conditions allow, three feet is the minimum legally required and the standard you should aim for.