Practice question

What should you do if you are overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming vehicle is approaching?

  1. Speed up to pass both quickly
  2. Honk your horn to alert the bicycle
  3. Slow down and let the vehicle pass first
  4. Pass the bicycle as close as possible

Answer: C — Slow down and let the vehicle pass first

When overtaking a bicycle while there is an oncoming vehicle, the safest and most responsible action is to slow down and let the vehicle pass first. This ensures the safety of both the cyclist and yourself, as it allows you to maintain a safe distance from the bicycle while avoiding a potentially dangerous situation with the approaching vehicle. Recognizing that space is limited on the road, especially when sharing it with cyclists, it’s important to prioritize overall safety. Speeding up to pass both quickly could lead to a reckless situation, risking a collision with the oncoming vehicle or potentially endangering the cyclist. Honking your horn to alert the cyclist does not address the immediate danger posed by the oncoming vehicle and can be perceived as aggressive rather than helpful. Passing the bicycle as close as possible is unsafe practice and does not give the cyclist the necessary space they need, which could result in an accident due to the proximity of your vehicle or the incoming traffic.

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