What should you do when passing a bicycle or slow-moving tractor?

When passing a bicycle or slow-moving tractor, the safest and most responsible action is to move over and cross the center line, provided it is legal and safe to do so. This allows for a wider berth around the slower-moving entity, reducing the risk of a collision and ensuring that both the driver and the cyclist or tractor operator have adequate space.

Crossing the center line demonstrates an understanding that bicycles and slower vehicles may not be able to maintain higher speeds, and they need extra space for safety during maneuvering. Additionally, this maneuver is particularly important in Montana, where roads can sometimes be narrow, and the presence of both slow-moving vehicles and bicycles is common. Therefore, moving over is essential to promote safety for all road users.

The other options do not promote safety when passing. Speeding up quickly can create a hazardous situation, especially if you encounter oncoming traffic. Honking your horn may startle the cyclist or operator of the tractor, potentially leading to a loss of control. Staying in your lane may put you too close to the bicycle or tractor, increasing the risk of an accident.