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LOOK • SEE • SAVE

Leave three feet when passing.


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Douglas and Grove


This is Douglas and Grove. On February 9, 2026, at around 1:30 pm, somebody was riding an e-scooter on Douglas headed west. They were in the outside portion of the outside lane. Cars kept passing by them at a close passing distance, so they stuck out their left arm to suggest to drivers that they needed more space. A pick-up truck struck the scooter rider’s arm and then drove off.


In Wichita, Kansas, the Code of Ordinances § 11.38.200(c)(1) (2011) states that “the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a distance of not less than three feet and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.”



However, research shows that minimum passing laws like this are not overly beneficial. A study published in the Journal of Cycling and Micromobility Research found that a campaign to promote minimum passing distance laws in Perth, Australia yielded only a marginal reduction in the share of passes that were close to the cyclist. In contrast, protected bicycle lanes have been associated with a 73 cm increase in passing distance, approximately seven times greater than that of the minimum passing distance law. As a result, researchers note, “minimum passing distance laws, while symbolically important and somewhat beneficial, should therefore be viewed as a complementary measure rather than a replacement for infrastructure interventions.” 


Image of the statement "Leave at least three feet separation when passing a cyclist. It's the law." for the Look See Save Campaign

In December 2025, Wichita City Council voted to approve a redesign of Douglas Avenue that will incorporate bike lanes on a trial-basis. It will consist of a bike lane adjacent to the curb that is separated from vehicle traffic by both a painted buffer as well as, in some locations, on street parking. This design decision will, hopefully, help increase the passing distance of vehicles overtaking other road users. 




Check back in to hear more about passing distances and as always, Look, See, and Save.




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