Most Colorado drivers know that giving cyclists plenty of space while making a pass on the road is the right thing to do – but there’s actually a law about how it should be done, too.

A Colorado statute stipulates states that a driver can only pass a cyclist moving in the same direction in the same lane if they can allow oncoming vehicles “one-half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway” and if at least three feet of separation exists between the passing vehicle and the cyclist, including all mirrors and other objects that may project off of the vehicle, always passing on the left side of the cyclist.

The ‘three feet of space’ aspect of the rule is perhaps most notable, with the Colorado Department of Transportation also noting in a recent post that this is one case where briefly crossing over a double line is permissible, provided it’s done while safe to do so.

There are several reasons this law exists – for starters, getting a close pass from a vehicle while cycling can be a bit shocking, increasing the likelihood of a mistake that leads to a crash. Another key reason for this space is that it allows the cyclist to continue to react to changes in the pavement while still at a safe distance from vehicles around them – imagine swerving to miss a pothole on the road’s edge only to risk popping into vehicular traffic as a result.

Failing to follow this law can result in a ‘Class A’ traffic infraction even if a collision or crash doesn’t occur. This can result in points against a license and a fine of up to $100. More importantly, failing to do so can pose a risk to the cyclist that could be deadly.

Help keep Colorado’s roads safer by watching out for all of those who use it, not just those in motor vehicles. Patience is key – if it’s unsafe to make a legal pass, wait behind the cyclist until it is.