The cyclist would do themselves a great service if they also kept at least three feet between themselves and the edge of the road. That would guarantee them more room side to side to avoid potholes, debris, and sewer grates. It would also give them some room to maneuver in case some driver doesn’t give them 3-ft. as they pass.

The further to the left the cyclist rides, the further to the left a motorist must move to give them 3 ft. clearance. Eventually, it becomes obvious that the safe and logical thing to do is just make a complete lane change, just as you would for any vehicle.

Unfortunately, many motorists don’t consider bicycles as vehicles, so how they pass a slower vehicle is not what they consider in the situation.

Percival,

I understand what you are saying and I agree that the 3 ft or 1 meter distance is common in many jurisdictions – at least in the US. It’s not universal, however. I do appreciate Momentum bring the issue to a forefront.

My point is that 3 ft or 1 meter is simply NOT SAFE – as you stated. As others have said before me, “if that is the law, the law is an ass”. I believe the 3 ft / 1 meter distance is an old fashioned notion, that was never based on any data or testing. I’m suggesting the bicycling community should not continue to promote an idea founded on ignorance.

Anyone that rides a bike knows cyclists cannot maintain a line traveling down the road that is better than plus or minus 3ft or 1 meter. With the roads of today, we MUST constantly weave back and forth to avoid potholes, ruts, trolly tracks, glass and metal debris on the road to name a few obstacles. The law and motorists need to anticipate this reality. I stand by my statement. No one riding a bike, passed at a distance of 3 ft or 1 meter by vehicles traveling at speeds of 25 mph or greater, would ever agree it is a safe distance for passing.

I understand law makers want to keep their heads buried in the same on this issue, but I would like to encourage the media to speak up for the safety of us all.

Percival – I agree. However when I pass a cyclist, I slow down and straddle the line but don’t completely go to the other lane. Why? Because I am afraid that the car following will NOT change lanes, which happens all to often.

It’s so very necessary. Even the driver education instructors I recently taught did not fully get this. “I will not risk the life of many to save the life of one,” was what I was told when showing a truck crossing a double yellow (US) to move around a cyclist. The person felt it would be too risky and, though an unfortunate situation for the cyclist, would just have to be the risk the cyclist took when riding on “our” roads. Education of our educators is incredibly important. Use full lane to pass.

@Rich: considering that I was passed unsafely while riding to work this morning, yes, this article is unfortunately necessary. I wish the police in my area would do enforcement of the minimum passing rule. I’d also like one of those sensory gadgets for my own bike : )