Sharing the road
A bicyclist is riding in your travel lane and you cannot move into another lane to pass. How much space must you leave between your vehicle and the bicyclist?
- At least three feet; if you cannot give three feet, wait to pass until you can. Correct answer
- At least one foot.
- At least five feet.
Why
California's passing rule for bicyclists is three feet. The preferred move is to change lanes and pass the way you would pass a car, then return to your lane. When that is not possible, you must leave at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist, and if the road does not allow three feet of clearance you do not pass until it does. One foot is far too close: a bicyclist may need to move left to avoid trash, a parked vehicle, or an opening car door. Five feet is not the legal minimum, although more room is always welcome. Remember that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, and that before turning right you should merge safely behind a bicyclist rather than cutting across in front.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is At least three feet; if you cannot give three feet, wait to pass until you can.
The rule behind this one
Sharing the road in California goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on sharing the road
- A school bus ahead of you on a two-lane road has stopped and its red lights are flashing. What must you do?
- You are driving behind a large truck. How can you tell whether the truck driver can see you?
- Which statement about sharing the road with motorcycles in California is correct?
- A streetcar is stopped at a safety zone marked on the road. What is the fastest you may pass it?