When passing a bicyclist on the road, which steps should you take?

• A. Give at least three feet of clearance, pass slowly, and check for signals before returning to your lane.
• B. Honk to alert them and speed up.
• C. Swerve into the opposite lane.
• D. Pass quickly without signaling.

Answer: (A)

Passing a bicyclist safely means giving them ample space, moving at a steady pace, and making sure it’s safe to return to your lane. The three-foot clearance gives enough room for the rider’s width and any wobble or sudden movement, so you don’t crowd them or cause them to swerve into traffic or the door zone. Passing slowly keeps you in better control, reduces the wind blast that can destabilize a cyclist, and gives you time to react if the rider signals a change in direction or if hazards appear. Checking for signals before returning to your lane is essential because cyclists may indicate turns or stops with arm signals, and you need to know their intentions to avoid cutting them off or forcing abrupt braking. If there isn’t enough space to pass safely, slow down and wait behind the cyclist until you can pass with the required clearance. Honking, speeding up, swerving into the opposite lane, or passing without signaling are unsafe and should be avoided.