Safe Distance Question

I'm most likely going to go full on crazy-looking-bicycle-guy. The snow/ice yesterday forced my commute more into normal traffic and I'm uncomfortable with the close passers. I'm gonna do the pool noodle thing. What is the safe passing distance when a car is passing a bicycle? How long should this noodle be? I was thinking about 3 feet.

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on November 28, 2018 at 3:17am

You may want to put something sharp on the end of that noodle to create a permanent reminder to the motorist about the 3 foot rule...

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Permalink Reply by dav on November 29, 2018 at 12:47am

Thanks. I'm not looking to get killed in a road rage incident. I just want a bit of space.

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Permalink Reply by BikeScnhook on November 28, 2018 at 7:53am

State law sez three feet.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on November 29, 2018 at 6:18am

Has any car driver ever been ticked for passing to close?

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Permalink Reply by Filka Bean on November 30, 2018 at 4:06am

There’s at least one video i saw online by cyclist who happenned to record a close pass and a cop immediately ticketing that driver... very gratifying but i guess astronomically rare!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Keating on November 30, 2018 at 4:56am

The law in Illinois is that a bicyclist must ride as near to the right as is "practicable," meaning safe. You don't have to ride on snow. A motorist is to give AT LEAST 3-feet when passing. This means that they should give even more if possible. Passing a cyclist shouldn't be a game of "how close can I get....."