What should you do if you see a cyclist on the road?

Giving ample space when passing a cyclist is essential for ensuring their safety as well as your own. Cyclists, like all road users, have the right to share the road, and providing them with space helps to prevent accidents.

When you approach a cyclist, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance to avoid any potential collisions or disturbances. By giving them enough space, you reduce the likelihood of startling them or causing them to lose control. In addition, this practice acknowledges their presence and the challenges they face on the road, such as wind resistance and the potential for road hazards.

Moreover, many jurisdictions, including Washington, have laws that require drivers to provide a specific minimum distance when passing cyclists. This not only promotes safety but also fosters a more respectful interaction between cyclists and drivers, contributing to a safer road environment for everyone.

The other choices, which involve staying too close, passing quickly and without warning, or ignoring the cyclist altogether, fail to prioritize safety and do not align with the recommended practices for sharing the road with cyclists.