What should you be cautious about when passing a bicycle?

Being cautious about a cyclist potentially swerving into traffic to avoid an obstacle is crucial for a few reasons. Cyclists often navigate on roads amidst various obstacles such as potholes, debris, or even small animals. When faced with such obstacles, a cyclist may feel the need to move away from the obstacle quickly, which could lead them to veer into a motor vehicle's path. This unpredictability makes it important for drivers to maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists and to remain vigilant, anticipating sudden movements.

The other choices present misunderstandings about cycling rules and behaviors. For example, not all cyclists are required to stay on the sidewalk, as many jurisdictions mandate that cyclists use the road where applicable. Additionally, riding a bicycle generally requires as much attention as driving a car, not less, due to the need for awareness of surroundings and traffic conditions. Lastly, while some cyclists do signal their intentions, it is not universal practice, and many do not, which means drivers should not assume that intentions will always be clear. Understanding the behavior of cyclists and the need for caution is essential for the safety of all road users.