How much passing space must you leave between your vehicle and a bicyclist you are passing?
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A.
Enough that the handlebar clears your fender.
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B.
One full lane, moving fully to the left.
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C.
Six feet, measured from the bicyclist's shoulder.
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D.
At least three feet from the edge of your side mirror. Correct
The answer is "At least three feet from the edge of your side mirror."
The rule is at least 3 feet, measured from the edge of your side mirror to the bicyclist, and you must wait to pass if you cannot leave that much room. Drivers who reach for a full-lane change here are carrying over the Move Over habit from stationary emergency vehicles.
The traps in the wrong answers
A. Enough that the handlebar clears your fender.
The rule sets a minimum 3-foot passing distance from the edge of your side mirror, not a fit-based clearance measured by whether the vehicle parts clear the bicycle. This answer falls back on the parking-lot rule of thumb where the handlebar clearing the fender counts as enough space.
B. One full lane, moving fully to the left.
The manual does not require a full lane change, though it does require you to wait if there is not 3 feet. This answer carries the Move Over lane-change response from stationary emergency vehicles into bicycle passing.
C. Six feet, measured from the bicyclist's shoulder.
The measurement is at least 3 feet from the side mirror to the bicyclist, not 6 feet from any body part. This answer doubles the required figure and shifts the reference point from the mirror to the bicyclist's shoulder.
This question tests your knowledge of Sharing the Road in Illinois. Source: Illinois Rules of the Road, "Chapter 5: Bicycles: Manual, Gas or Electric Powered," p.43..
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