When passing a bicycle rider, the required gap depends primarily on the road’s speed limit and local traffic rules, which are now quite similar across many Australian‑style jurisdictions.

Gap rules by speed limit

Most current standards say:

  • If the speed limit is 60 km/h or below , you must leave at least 1 metre between your vehicle and the bicycle rider when passing.
  • If the speed limit is above 60 km/h , you must leave at least 1.5 metres when passing.

These distances are minimums; in practice, more space (or waiting to pass where it is clearly safe) is always safer, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions.

Quick‑reference table

Speed‑limit zone| Minimum passing gap to cyclist| Notes
---|---|---
≤ 60 km/h| At least 1 m 35| Common in cities, suburbs, and 60‑zone roads.

60 km/h| At least 1.5 m 35| Applies on faster‑moving arterial or rural roads.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.