[Nothing on this blog should be confused for legal advice. I am not a lawyer, public official, or officer of the law. You, the reader, are liable for your own behavior and knowledge.]

Monday, August 13, 2012

Passing with Oncoming Traffic

Is it OK to pass a cyclist with oncoming traffic?

This is one that happens pretty frequently. The answer is no. On two-lane roads with traffic traveling in opposing directions, motorists should never pass a cyclist if there is oncoming traffic. If the motorist gives the cyclist a safe passing berth, it almost invariably means that the motorist has entered into the path of the oncoming motorist. The equally poor alternative is to buzz the cyclist. Even more, imagine what would happen if the cyclist should swerve or, even worse, fall. There simply isn't enough room for forgiveness. The motorist has the impossible choice of veering into oncoming motor traffic or hitting the cyclist. It is best to wait until the oncoming traffic has cleared to pass. Be patient. Be safe.

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