What should you do to give bicyclists as much space as possible when passing them?

To give bicyclists as much space as possible when passing them, slowing down is the appropriate action to take. This approach allows you to ensure that you can pass them safely without risking their safety or your own. By reducing your speed, you create a larger gap between your vehicle and the cyclist, which minimizes the risk of a collision and offers the cyclist a sense of security as you pass.

Maintaining a slower speed also gives you more time to assess the situation, especially if the cyclist makes a sudden movement or if there are any unexpected hazards on the road. This is particularly important in areas where the roadway is narrow, and the likelihood of conflict between vehicles and cyclists is increased.

While other actions might seem like alternatives, such as moving to the shoulder or speeding up, they pose greater risks. Moving too close to the cyclist or trying to speed past them could lead to dangerous situations, including accidents. Therefore, slowing down is the safest method to ensure all parties remain unharmed as you navigate around bicyclists.