Passing a cyclist

This measure aims to protect cyclists, and especially establish guidelines for the distances to be respected. The manoeuvre is performed when a vehicle in movement passes one or several cyclists circulating on the right side of the roadway.

The driver of a road vehicle may not pass a cyclist within the same traffic lane unless it can be done safely, after reducing the vehicle’s speed and ensuring that a reasonable distance can be kept between the vehicle and the cyclist during the manoeuvre..

According to the Highway Safety Code (HSC), a reasonable distance is 1 m on a road where the maximum authorized speed limit is 50 km/h, and 1.5 m on a road where the maximum authorized speed limit is more than 50 km/h. The HSC also allows drivers to cross a solid line for this purpose.

Drivers who fail to comply with this measure, in accordance with section 341 of the HSC, will be fined $200 (+ applicable fees) and 2 demerit points.