Three Feet

Question

Howard asked:  A member asked if the 3-foot rule applies to the rider in the bike lane or the edge of the bike lane.

Answer

There is no location restriction to the statute requiring a minimum of three feet to pass a bicycle.  The bicycle could be in a bike lane or even on the shoulder and the safe distance applies.

s. 316.083 – Overtaking and Passing a Vehicle

The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules hereinafter stated:

• The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction …. shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle, or an electric bicycle, must pass the bicycle, other nonmotorized vehicle, or electric bicycle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle, other nonmotorized vehicle, or electric bicycle.