Close passes are far too common for motorists passing cyclists 

On Behalf of | Jan 16, 2025 | Bicycle Accidents |

It’s common for drivers to encounter cyclists while sharing the road. Since motor vehicles are typically much faster, drivers often catch up to cyclists and need to pass them from behind. It’s crucial for drivers to understand how much space to give cyclists to ensure their safety.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the minimum required distance is three feet. A vehicle must stay at least three feet away from the cyclist and/or their bike when passing in order to do so safely and legally.

Unfortunately, many cyclists experience close passes far too often. Drivers sometimes push through with only a foot or two of space. Why does this happen?

Drivers are in a rush

The most common reason is that the driver is in a hurry. Oncoming traffic may prevent them from moving over far enough to give the cyclist the required 3 feet of space. Rather than waiting for a safe gap in traffic, the motorist may choose to execute an unsafe pass to continue on their way.

Drivers don’t believe cyclists should share the road

Another issue is that some drivers believe roads should be reserved exclusively for motor vehicles and that cyclists shouldn’t be sharing them at all. These drivers may feel annoyed or frustrated when they encounter cyclists. As a result, they might drive aggressively and even execute a close pass intentionally to express their frustration.

Cyclists have legal rights

It’s important to note that cyclists do have a legal right to share the road, and motorists are responsible for driving safely. If a driver makes a mistake or causes an accident, cyclists who suffer injuries need to know what legal steps they can take to seek compensation.