You cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist ahead. What minimum clearance must you leave?
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A.
At least three feet from the bicyclist Correct
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B.
One foot of clearance
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C.
Enough room to squeeze past without contact
The answer is "At least three feet from the bicyclist"
When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist. Drivers who fall back on the 'no touch, no foul' rule of thumb pick option C. The manual sets a specific measured distance rather than a judgment call.
The traps in the wrong answers
B. One foot of clearance
One foot is well below the codified minimum and puts the bicyclist within a door's swing of your vehicle. This answer estimates by arm's length rather than the manual's measured figure, giving the rider far less room than the rule requires.
C. Enough room to squeeze past without contact
'Squeeze past' is a judgment call, not the specific distance the manual sets. This answer substitutes a 'no touch, no foul' rule of thumb for the specific measured figure the rule requires.
This question tests your knowledge of Passing in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Passing a Bicyclist," p.48..
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