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How to pass a bicycle while driving a car
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I understand this is more of a driving question, but I'm curious to know the answer from the bicycling community and perhaps gain insight into how to act both as a bicyclist and driver.
The other day I was driving on a local two-lane 60mph highway when I encountered a bicyclist. Naturally, I slowed down to assess the situation, waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, and pulled into the oncoming lane in order to give the bicyclist a berth and pass them. There was no bicycle lane nor really a shoulder for them to ride on to avoid cars, so it wasn't the best road to be biking on, but regardless I tried to pass them safely.
To my confusion and amusement, the bicyclist flipped me the bird.
Previously, I had considered to best way to safely pass a bicycle would be to pass them like a car: signal, move into the oncoming lane, move back once the road is clearly seen in my rear view. This apparently was not the correct course of action to the irritated bicyclist, and I am curious to know what the safest and most respectful way to pass a bicyclist is, particularly on a road where there is not a ridable shoulder or bike lane.
commuter traffic road
asked 3 hours ago
nostalgk
112
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nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I understand this is more of a driving question, but I'm curious to know the answer from the bicycling community and perhaps gain insight into how to act both as a bicyclist and driver.
The other day I was driving on a local two-lane 60mph highway when I encountered a bicyclist. Naturally, I slowed down to assess the situation, waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, and pulled into the oncoming lane in order to give the bicyclist a berth and pass them. There was no bicycle lane nor really a shoulder for them to ride on to avoid cars, so it wasn't the best road to be biking on, but regardless I tried to pass them safely.
To my confusion and amusement, the bicyclist flipped me the bird.
Previously, I had considered to best way to safely pass a bicycle would be to pass them like a car: signal, move into the oncoming lane, move back once the road is clearly seen in my rear view. This apparently was not the correct course of action to the irritated bicyclist, and I am curious to know what the safest and most respectful way to pass a bicyclist is, particularly on a road where there is not a ridable shoulder or bike lane.
commuter traffic road
asked 3 hours ago
nostalgk
112
New contributor
nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
4
It sounds like the way you handled it was just fine. If you didn't follow obnoxiously close, blow your horn inappropriately, or pass closer than 3 feet/1 meter to the bike when passing then the cyclist was just being obnoxious. There are obnoxious cyclists, just as there are obnoxious motorists.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
One other issue I sometimes have with drivers is that they pass so slowly that they haven't got time to get clear before the next bend or oncoming car. But there's no suggestion the OP did that or anything else wrong.
– Chris H
2 hours ago
One minor point, though: In most US bike laws the passing vehicle is not required to move entirely into the next lane to pass. Simply moving left enough to provide the 3 feet/1 meter clearance is sufficient.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
It is very possible that I had been following him too closely by his perception, since then I have tried to be more cautious of my distance. I do try to give a wide berth when passing though.
– nostalgk
42 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I understand this is more of a driving question, but I'm curious to know the answer from the bicycling community and perhaps gain insight into how to act both as a bicyclist and driver.
The other day I was driving on a local two-lane 60mph highway when I encountered a bicyclist. Naturally, I slowed down to assess the situation, waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, and pulled into the oncoming lane in order to give the bicyclist a berth and pass them. There was no bicycle lane nor really a shoulder for them to ride on to avoid cars, so it wasn't the best road to be biking on, but regardless I tried to pass them safely.
To my confusion and amusement, the bicyclist flipped me the bird.
Previously, I had considered to best way to safely pass a bicycle would be to pass them like a car: signal, move into the oncoming lane, move back once the road is clearly seen in my rear view. This apparently was not the correct course of action to the irritated bicyclist, and I am curious to know what the safest and most respectful way to pass a bicyclist is, particularly on a road where there is not a ridable shoulder or bike lane.
commuter traffic road
asked 3 hours ago
nostalgk
112
New contributor
nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I understand this is more of a driving question, but I'm curious to know the answer from the bicycling community and perhaps gain insight into how to act both as a bicyclist and driver.
The other day I was driving on a local two-lane 60mph highway when I encountered a bicyclist. Naturally, I slowed down to assess the situation, waiting for oncoming traffic to pass, and pulled into the oncoming lane in order to give the bicyclist a berth and pass them. There was no bicycle lane nor really a shoulder for them to ride on to avoid cars, so it wasn't the best road to be biking on, but regardless I tried to pass them safely.
To my confusion and amusement, the bicyclist flipped me the bird.
Previously, I had considered to best way to safely pass a bicycle would be to pass them like a car: signal, move into the oncoming lane, move back once the road is clearly seen in my rear view. This apparently was not the correct course of action to the irritated bicyclist, and I am curious to know what the safest and most respectful way to pass a bicyclist is, particularly on a road where there is not a ridable shoulder or bike lane.
commuter traffic road
commuter traffic road
asked 3 hours ago
nostalgk
112
New contributor
nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 3 hours ago
nostalgk
112
New contributor
nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 3 hours ago
nostalgk
112
New contributor
nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 3 hours ago
nostalgk
112
asked 3 hours ago
nostalgk
112
112
New contributor
nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
nostalgk is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
4
It sounds like the way you handled it was just fine. If you didn't follow obnoxiously close, blow your horn inappropriately, or pass closer than 3 feet/1 meter to the bike when passing then the cyclist was just being obnoxious. There are obnoxious cyclists, just as there are obnoxious motorists.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
One other issue I sometimes have with drivers is that they pass so slowly that they haven't got time to get clear before the next bend or oncoming car. But there's no suggestion the OP did that or anything else wrong.
– Chris H
2 hours ago
One minor point, though: In most US bike laws the passing vehicle is not required to move entirely into the next lane to pass. Simply moving left enough to provide the 3 feet/1 meter clearance is sufficient.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
It is very possible that I had been following him too closely by his perception, since then I have tried to be more cautious of my distance. I do try to give a wide berth when passing though.
– nostalgk
42 mins ago
add a comment |Â
4
It sounds like the way you handled it was just fine. If you didn't follow obnoxiously close, blow your horn inappropriately, or pass closer than 3 feet/1 meter to the bike when passing then the cyclist was just being obnoxious. There are obnoxious cyclists, just as there are obnoxious motorists.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
One other issue I sometimes have with drivers is that they pass so slowly that they haven't got time to get clear before the next bend or oncoming car. But there's no suggestion the OP did that or anything else wrong.
– Chris H
2 hours ago
One minor point, though: In most US bike laws the passing vehicle is not required to move entirely into the next lane to pass. Simply moving left enough to provide the 3 feet/1 meter clearance is sufficient.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
It is very possible that I had been following him too closely by his perception, since then I have tried to be more cautious of my distance. I do try to give a wide berth when passing though.
– nostalgk
42 mins ago
4
4
It sounds like the way you handled it was just fine. If you didn't follow obnoxiously close, blow your horn inappropriately, or pass closer than 3 feet/1 meter to the bike when passing then the cyclist was just being obnoxious. There are obnoxious cyclists, just as there are obnoxious motorists.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
It sounds like the way you handled it was just fine. If you didn't follow obnoxiously close, blow your horn inappropriately, or pass closer than 3 feet/1 meter to the bike when passing then the cyclist was just being obnoxious. There are obnoxious cyclists, just as there are obnoxious motorists.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
One other issue I sometimes have with drivers is that they pass so slowly that they haven't got time to get clear before the next bend or oncoming car. But there's no suggestion the OP did that or anything else wrong.
– Chris H
2 hours ago
One other issue I sometimes have with drivers is that they pass so slowly that they haven't got time to get clear before the next bend or oncoming car. But there's no suggestion the OP did that or anything else wrong.
– Chris H
2 hours ago
One minor point, though: In most US bike laws the passing vehicle is not required to move entirely into the next lane to pass. Simply moving left enough to provide the 3 feet/1 meter clearance is sufficient.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
One minor point, though: In most US bike laws the passing vehicle is not required to move entirely into the next lane to pass. Simply moving left enough to provide the 3 feet/1 meter clearance is sufficient.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
It is very possible that I had been following him too closely by his perception, since then I have tried to be more cautious of my distance. I do try to give a wide berth when passing though.
– nostalgk
42 mins ago
It is very possible that I had been following him too closely by his perception, since then I have tried to be more cautious of my distance. I do try to give a wide berth when passing though.
– nostalgk
42 mins ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
As long as you give a cyclist plenty of space, and obey traffic laws and drive safely in general you are OK.
1 meter or 3 feet is generally considered enough space when passing, but I know I prefer more. If you can move into another travel lane to overtake please do that.
Don't follow a cyclist too closely before overtaking, it's really scary for the cyclist. Similarly, don't pull in too soon.
Overtake safely and decisively. I've had cars try to overtake me then have to abort because they didn't give themselves enough space or time, or overtook on a curve or hill where they could not see far enough ahead.
Beware overtaking a cyclist then immediately turning right (or left in countries that drive on the left) and cutting across the cyclist's path.
answered 2 hours ago
Argenti Apparatus
24.7k12764
I appreciate these tips.
– nostalgk
43 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
My personal list in order of importance:
- Overtake when it’s safe to do so. This means no oncoming traffic (unless the lanes are wide enough to overtake even despite traffic) and that you can see far enough ahead. Don’t overtake on crossroads or crosswalks.
- Don’t drive too close behind. Bicycles usually don’t have braking lights, so you’ll need some time/distance to realize a cyclist is slowing down. Keeping distance also gives you time to brake in case the cyclist crashes (relatively unlikely but could still happen, especially on bad roads). Psychologically driving close behind can make a cyclist feel pressured and forced to speed up.
- Keep enough space when passing. How much also depends on speed and crosswinds.
- Accelerate decisively but not unnecessarily hard. Overtaking before the next turn or oncoming car is important, but don’t overdo it. Roaring (or screeching) engine noises and a big cloud of exhaust smoke isn’t fun.
Of course we can’t be sure if and what you did wrong to annoy the cyclist. It could even be that – in his opinion – you were overcareful and took too long. Which – obviously – is totally fine, legal and much better than not being careful enough.
answered 40 mins ago
Michael
1,794511
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
As long as you give a cyclist plenty of space, and obey traffic laws and drive safely in general you are OK.
1 meter or 3 feet is generally considered enough space when passing, but I know I prefer more. If you can move into another travel lane to overtake please do that.
Don't follow a cyclist too closely before overtaking, it's really scary for the cyclist. Similarly, don't pull in too soon.
Overtake safely and decisively. I've had cars try to overtake me then have to abort because they didn't give themselves enough space or time, or overtook on a curve or hill where they could not see far enough ahead.
Beware overtaking a cyclist then immediately turning right (or left in countries that drive on the left) and cutting across the cyclist's path.
answered 2 hours ago
Argenti Apparatus
24.7k12764
I appreciate these tips.
– nostalgk
43 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
As long as you give a cyclist plenty of space, and obey traffic laws and drive safely in general you are OK.
1 meter or 3 feet is generally considered enough space when passing, but I know I prefer more. If you can move into another travel lane to overtake please do that.
Don't follow a cyclist too closely before overtaking, it's really scary for the cyclist. Similarly, don't pull in too soon.
Overtake safely and decisively. I've had cars try to overtake me then have to abort because they didn't give themselves enough space or time, or overtook on a curve or hill where they could not see far enough ahead.
Beware overtaking a cyclist then immediately turning right (or left in countries that drive on the left) and cutting across the cyclist's path.
answered 2 hours ago
Argenti Apparatus
24.7k12764
I appreciate these tips.
– nostalgk
43 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
As long as you give a cyclist plenty of space, and obey traffic laws and drive safely in general you are OK.
1 meter or 3 feet is generally considered enough space when passing, but I know I prefer more. If you can move into another travel lane to overtake please do that.
Don't follow a cyclist too closely before overtaking, it's really scary for the cyclist. Similarly, don't pull in too soon.
Overtake safely and decisively. I've had cars try to overtake me then have to abort because they didn't give themselves enough space or time, or overtook on a curve or hill where they could not see far enough ahead.
Beware overtaking a cyclist then immediately turning right (or left in countries that drive on the left) and cutting across the cyclist's path.
answered 2 hours ago
Argenti Apparatus
24.7k12764
As long as you give a cyclist plenty of space, and obey traffic laws and drive safely in general you are OK.
1 meter or 3 feet is generally considered enough space when passing, but I know I prefer more. If you can move into another travel lane to overtake please do that.
Don't follow a cyclist too closely before overtaking, it's really scary for the cyclist. Similarly, don't pull in too soon.
Overtake safely and decisively. I've had cars try to overtake me then have to abort because they didn't give themselves enough space or time, or overtook on a curve or hill where they could not see far enough ahead.
Beware overtaking a cyclist then immediately turning right (or left in countries that drive on the left) and cutting across the cyclist's path.
answered 2 hours ago
Argenti Apparatus
24.7k12764
answered 2 hours ago
Argenti Apparatus
24.7k12764
answered 2 hours ago
Argenti Apparatus
24.7k12764
answered 2 hours ago
Argenti Apparatus
24.7k12764
24.7k12764
I appreciate these tips.
– nostalgk
43 mins ago
add a comment |Â
I appreciate these tips.
– nostalgk
43 mins ago
I appreciate these tips.
– nostalgk
43 mins ago
I appreciate these tips.
– nostalgk
43 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
My personal list in order of importance:
- Overtake when it’s safe to do so. This means no oncoming traffic (unless the lanes are wide enough to overtake even despite traffic) and that you can see far enough ahead. Don’t overtake on crossroads or crosswalks.
- Don’t drive too close behind. Bicycles usually don’t have braking lights, so you’ll need some time/distance to realize a cyclist is slowing down. Keeping distance also gives you time to brake in case the cyclist crashes (relatively unlikely but could still happen, especially on bad roads). Psychologically driving close behind can make a cyclist feel pressured and forced to speed up.
- Keep enough space when passing. How much also depends on speed and crosswinds.
- Accelerate decisively but not unnecessarily hard. Overtaking before the next turn or oncoming car is important, but don’t overdo it. Roaring (or screeching) engine noises and a big cloud of exhaust smoke isn’t fun.
Of course we can’t be sure if and what you did wrong to annoy the cyclist. It could even be that – in his opinion – you were overcareful and took too long. Which – obviously – is totally fine, legal and much better than not being careful enough.
answered 40 mins ago
Michael
1,794511
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
My personal list in order of importance:
- Overtake when it’s safe to do so. This means no oncoming traffic (unless the lanes are wide enough to overtake even despite traffic) and that you can see far enough ahead. Don’t overtake on crossroads or crosswalks.
- Don’t drive too close behind. Bicycles usually don’t have braking lights, so you’ll need some time/distance to realize a cyclist is slowing down. Keeping distance also gives you time to brake in case the cyclist crashes (relatively unlikely but could still happen, especially on bad roads). Psychologically driving close behind can make a cyclist feel pressured and forced to speed up.
- Keep enough space when passing. How much also depends on speed and crosswinds.
- Accelerate decisively but not unnecessarily hard. Overtaking before the next turn or oncoming car is important, but don’t overdo it. Roaring (or screeching) engine noises and a big cloud of exhaust smoke isn’t fun.
Of course we can’t be sure if and what you did wrong to annoy the cyclist. It could even be that – in his opinion – you were overcareful and took too long. Which – obviously – is totally fine, legal and much better than not being careful enough.
answered 40 mins ago
Michael
1,794511
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
My personal list in order of importance:
- Overtake when it’s safe to do so. This means no oncoming traffic (unless the lanes are wide enough to overtake even despite traffic) and that you can see far enough ahead. Don’t overtake on crossroads or crosswalks.
- Don’t drive too close behind. Bicycles usually don’t have braking lights, so you’ll need some time/distance to realize a cyclist is slowing down. Keeping distance also gives you time to brake in case the cyclist crashes (relatively unlikely but could still happen, especially on bad roads). Psychologically driving close behind can make a cyclist feel pressured and forced to speed up.
- Keep enough space when passing. How much also depends on speed and crosswinds.
- Accelerate decisively but not unnecessarily hard. Overtaking before the next turn or oncoming car is important, but don’t overdo it. Roaring (or screeching) engine noises and a big cloud of exhaust smoke isn’t fun.
Of course we can’t be sure if and what you did wrong to annoy the cyclist. It could even be that – in his opinion – you were overcareful and took too long. Which – obviously – is totally fine, legal and much better than not being careful enough.
answered 40 mins ago
Michael
1,794511
My personal list in order of importance:
- Overtake when it’s safe to do so. This means no oncoming traffic (unless the lanes are wide enough to overtake even despite traffic) and that you can see far enough ahead. Don’t overtake on crossroads or crosswalks.
- Don’t drive too close behind. Bicycles usually don’t have braking lights, so you’ll need some time/distance to realize a cyclist is slowing down. Keeping distance also gives you time to brake in case the cyclist crashes (relatively unlikely but could still happen, especially on bad roads). Psychologically driving close behind can make a cyclist feel pressured and forced to speed up.
- Keep enough space when passing. How much also depends on speed and crosswinds.
- Accelerate decisively but not unnecessarily hard. Overtaking before the next turn or oncoming car is important, but don’t overdo it. Roaring (or screeching) engine noises and a big cloud of exhaust smoke isn’t fun.
Of course we can’t be sure if and what you did wrong to annoy the cyclist. It could even be that – in his opinion – you were overcareful and took too long. Which – obviously – is totally fine, legal and much better than not being careful enough.
answered 40 mins ago
Michael
1,794511
answered 40 mins ago
Michael
1,794511
answered 40 mins ago
Michael
1,794511
answered 40 mins ago
Michael
1,794511
1,794511
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
nostalgk is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
nostalgk is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
nostalgk is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
nostalgk is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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4
It sounds like the way you handled it was just fine. If you didn't follow obnoxiously close, blow your horn inappropriately, or pass closer than 3 feet/1 meter to the bike when passing then the cyclist was just being obnoxious. There are obnoxious cyclists, just as there are obnoxious motorists.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
One other issue I sometimes have with drivers is that they pass so slowly that they haven't got time to get clear before the next bend or oncoming car. But there's no suggestion the OP did that or anything else wrong.
– Chris H
2 hours ago
One minor point, though: In most US bike laws the passing vehicle is not required to move entirely into the next lane to pass. Simply moving left enough to provide the 3 feet/1 meter clearance is sufficient.
– Daniel R Hicks
2 hours ago
It is very possible that I had been following him too closely by his perception, since then I have tried to be more cautious of my distance. I do try to give a wide berth when passing though.
– nostalgk
42 mins ago