When approaching a cyclist traveling in the same direction, what should you do?

When approaching a cyclist traveling in the same direction, what should you do?

• A. Pass quickly to avoid holding up traffic
• B. Pass cautiously and slowly, leaving plenty of room
• C. Honk your horn to alert them
• D. Stay behind them until a safe distance

Answer: (B)

When encountering a cyclist traveling in the same direction, the most appropriate action is to pass cautiously and slowly while ensuring there is plenty of space between your vehicle and the cyclist. This approach respects the cyclist’s right to share the road and prioritizes safety for both road users. Leaving ample room when passing is crucial because cyclists are more vulnerable than motor vehicles. They can be affected by wind turbulence from passing cars, and having enough space reduces the risk of an accident. Additionally, cyclists may need to maneuver around obstacles or adjust their position on the road, and maintaining a safe distance ensures drivers have the necessary time and space to respond to any sudden movements. Other approaches, such as passing quickly to avoid holding up traffic, can compromise the cyclist's safety and increase the risk of accidents. Honking your horn may startle the cyclist and does not guarantee a safe passing distance. Staying behind the cyclist until you can safely overtake them is a cautious approach but may not be the best choice for optimizing traffic flow when safe passing is feasible. Thus, passing cautiously while ensuring a safe distance is the recommended practice when approaching a cyclist.

When encountering a cyclist traveling in the same direction, the most appropriate action is to pass cautiously and slowly while ensuring there is plenty of space between your vehicle and the cyclist. This approach respects the cyclist’s right to share the road and prioritizes safety for both road users.

Leaving ample room when passing is crucial because cyclists are more vulnerable than motor vehicles. They can be affected by wind turbulence from passing cars, and having enough space reduces the risk of an accident. Additionally, cyclists may need to maneuver around obstacles or adjust their position on the road, and maintaining a safe distance ensures drivers have the necessary time and space to respond to any sudden movements.

Other approaches, such as passing quickly to avoid holding up traffic, can compromise the cyclist's safety and increase the risk of accidents. Honking your horn may startle the cyclist and does not guarantee a safe passing distance. Staying behind the cyclist until you can safely overtake them is a cautious approach but may not be the best choice for optimizing traffic flow when safe passing is feasible. Thus, passing cautiously while ensuring a safe distance is the recommended practice when approaching a cyclist.