How should you share the road with bicycles?

• A. Signal clearly, give at least three feet when passing, and avoid cutting in front of cyclists.
• B. Honk loudly to alert cyclists before passing.
• C. Stay in your lane and pass as close as possible.
• D. Do not signal when passing cyclists.

Answer: (A)

Sharing the road with bicycles means communicating your intentions and giving riders plenty of space. The best approach is to signal clearly before any lane change or turn, pass with at least three feet of clearance, and avoid cutting in front of cyclists after you’ve passed. Signals let the cyclist know what you plan to do, the three-foot buffer reduces the risk if a cyclist wobbles or swerves, and not cutting in prevents forcing the rider to brake suddenly or collide with you when you move back into the lane. Honking loudly, staying in your lane and passing as close as possible, or not signaling are unsafe and often illegal ways to interact with cyclists. If you can’t pass with a safe buffer, slow down and wait behind the cyclist until you can pass safely.