What is the recommended distance to keep from a cyclist?

Maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters from a cyclist is recommended to ensure safety for both the cyclist and the driver. This distance provides adequate space for the cyclist to maneuver, particularly in situations where they may need to adjust their position on the road due to obstacles, potholes, or changes in road conditions. In addition, this distance helps minimize the risk of accidents caused by wind turbulence generated by larger vehicles passing too closely, which can easily destabilize a cyclist, especially those on lighter bikes or those who are less experienced.

This guideline aims to enhance the safety of cyclists and all road users and is often mandated by traffic laws in various regions. Other distances, while they may seem reasonable, do not offer the same level of protection or comfort to cyclists and might not align with established safety standards.