Final answer:
When sharing a road with a bicycle, maintain a minimum distance of three feet for safety, although some jurisdictions may require up to six feet. This rule is similar to other safety measures on the road, such as judging safe distances based on the speed of vehicles when crossing the street.
Step-by-step explanation:
When sharing a lane with a bicycle, there should be a minimum of three feet distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle. This spacing ensures the safety of the bicyclist, as it provides enough room for the bicyclist to maneuver safely and for the driver to react to unexpected changes. It's important to check local traffic laws, as the required distance may vary by jurisdiction, with some areas requiring up to six feet.
This is similar to other road safety measures, such as how far away one must be from a car before it's safe to cross the road, which depends on the speed of the car and the distance required to walk across the road safely. For instance, in towns and cities with a speed limit of 60 km/hr, you need to be able to walk at least 4 meters to cross safely before the car reaches you. Moreover, when considering the safety of a situation, such as a car driving towards you that is 28 meters away, you must account for the speed of the vehicle and your own walking speed to determine if it is safe to cross.