What minimum clearance is recommended when passing a cyclist on a multi-lane road?

• A. 2 feet.
• B. 3 feet.
• C. 5 feet.
• D. No specific distance is required.

Answer: (B)

When you’re passing a cyclist on a multi-lane road, you need a safe buffer between your vehicle and the rider. The minimum to aim for is three feet. That space gives the cyclist room if they wobble, if there’s wind gust or road debris, or if you momentarily misjudge and drift toward them. It also helps prevent dooring risk from adjacent parked cars and keeps you from squeezing them off the road.

Two feet is too close to safely share the lane, while five feet, though safer, is more than the required minimum. Saying no specific distance would ignore these safety rules. If you can’t pass with at least three feet of clearance, slow down and wait for a safe gap to pass.