How Much Distance Should Be Between A Car And A Bicycle?

by Jim on November 02, 2022

Overtaking a cyclist on the road can be dangerous for the driver and the cyclist. Proper bicycle passing distance, driving speed, and knowledge of who has the right of way are crucial factors to successfully and safely pass a cyclist on the road. This article will examine the distance a car should give a bicycle when moving past it. Let’s dive in.

The minimum distance between a motor vehicle and a bicycle should not be less than 3 feet apart, and this clearance should be maintained until the motor vehicle overtakes the bicycle.

What is the law on passing cyclists?

The summary of the safe passing laws for cyclists in thirty-two states is that, "A motor vehicle driver shouldn’t pass or overtake a bicycle moving in the same direction on the highway at a distance of lower than three feet apart between any part of the motor vehicle and any bicycle part or its rider.

The motor vehicle driver passing a bicycle shall do so at a safe distance that doesn’t impede the safe operation of the overtaken bicycle, having necessary regard for the size and acceleration of the motor vehicle and the bicycle, weather, traffic conditions, visibility, and the width and surface of the highway".

When can you overtake legally?

Legally, overtaking and passing a cyclist should be done when the motor vehicle driver can pass safely without posing a danger to the cyclist.

It is illegal when there are prohibitive road markings against overtaking or if it’s done in a reckless, uncontrolled, and unsafe way.

Instances of such situations are when you have a poor view of the road ahead, probably due to bad weather like fog or rain - or if you have to violate the speed limit to overtake.

What is the safe distance for cyclists?

Imagine the following settings in which you’re driving your vehicle and approaching to overtake :

The road is slippery and bumpy, and the cyclist is riding irregularly, struggling to maintain balance.
The road is smooth, and the cyclist is riding solidly, but to their right are several parked cars, so from any of these vehicles, a person could open any of the car doors to come out.
The road is smooth, and the cyclist is riding solidly, with no hazards on the road.

What do before you pass a bicycle on the road

To overtake a cyclist safely, do the following when you drive by:

Slow down or drive at the speed limit to pass a bicycle. According to the NHTSA, car drivers should use a defensive approach and not disregard the cyclist’s speed. Bicyclists feel more secure on the roads when drivers move at a reduced speed.

The NHTSA states, "pass cyclists the same way you’d pass any other vehicle — when it’s safe to switch to an adjacent lane ." Give substantial bicycle passing distance to ensure your safety and that of the cyclist. The most important thing is for a passing vehicle to overtake a bicycle safely with at least three feet of clearance.

As earlier mentioned, about thirty-two states require drivers to give roughly 3 feet of safe passing distance for cyclists. To a statement made by the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), some states require motorists to change lanes whenever they pass a cyclist if more than one lane is moving in the same direction. You can look up your state law to see how much room you should allow when you want to move safely past a bicycle in your area.

Adopt a "share the road" view when driving. Drivers and cyclists have equal rights on the roads, and they are expected to abide by the same rules. So, it is crucial for you, the driver, to play your part in maintaining safety on the road for everyone.

Take due caution, show empathy, and be patient with cyclists on the road, as it will help keep everyone safe. When you remember that you have a car that’s protecting you if a car crash were to happen and cyclists don’t have any, it’s easier to keep the vulnerability of cyclists in mind.

Making a Turn and Safety of Cyclists

To reduce the likelihood of car-bicycle collisions, be conscious of the location of cyclists before making a turn.

According to the NHTSA, you should stop and observe left, right, left, and behind to turn right on red. For right turns, be attentive to whether you safely passed a bicycle recently.

The same rider could quickly approach and collide with your vehicle while you’re turning right. To carefully make a continuous turn, ensure you reduce speed and check your mirrors.

For turning to the left side, anticipate the oncoming traffic of cyclists, just like the traffic of oncoming cars. It can be challenging to predict the speed of a cyclist, so be careful.

Research shows that most drivers don’t realize how fast the incoming cyclist was before a collision. If you’re unsure whether you have enough space and time to turn left completely, wait until the cyclist passes.

Irrespective of the direction you turn, make use of your turn signal to show your course of movement and help put distance between the vehicle and the bicyclist.

In the same way, turn signals tell other drivers where you’re going, and they are important to aid cyclists in expecting turns, changes in the right lane and left lane, and vehicles around.

Remember the following pointers whenever you’re driving and Sharing the road with cyclists:

Cyclists and Drivers have the same responsibility on the road. Both parties must follow the same rules, including stop signs and traffic rules.

Watch out for bicyclists in pleasant weather. Most riders don’t come out when it’s raining, so remember that dry pavements and sunny days are the best scenarios for cyclists, and they will likely be on the road with you.

Courtesy demands that you should provide at least three feet of safe distance when overtaking cyclists, as it’s mandated by law in most states. In addition, you also have to be on the road with two lanes in the opposite direction, or enough space is available for you to pull out, overtake and continue your position on the lane without congesting the bicyclist.

Slow down and switch lanes to make available more room for riders.

Think of bicyclists as people you’re familiar with, like a friend. You may be surprised how that practice would change your mindset about sharing the road.

Final thoughts

You can promote highway safety for drivers and cyclists by practicing safe overtaking. Imbibe these pointers and assist in creating awareness of the "share the road" perspective among your family and friends to maintain safety while cycling and driving.