What amount of side clearance must you maintain when overtaking pedestrians and cyclists?

In German traffic rules, when overtaking pedestrians and cyclists, you must maintain a safe side clearance to ensure their safety. Inside built-up areas, such as towns or cities, the required minimum side clearance is 1.5 meters. This is because space is more limited, and speeds are generally lower, but safety is still crucial. Outside built-up areas, like rural roads, the minimum side clearance increases to 2.0 meters because vehicles typically travel faster, necessitating a larger safety margin. This distinction helps protect vulnerable road users by providing enough space when overtaking, reducing the risk of accidents or forcing them off the road. Remembering these different clearances based on the area will help you comply with the rules and drive safely around pedestrians and cyclists.