How much space must a car driver give a bicycle rider?

The driver of a car must keep a “safe distance” between his car and your bicycle. “Safe distance” means at least three feet. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-56. The law also says “when feasible, the operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between such vehicle and the bicycle and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.”

Keeping a safe distance is important. One obvious reason for motor vehicle drivers to keep a safe distance between their vehicles and bicycles ahead of them is that drivers should make sure they have enough time to react and stop if traffic comes to a stop.