How much distance should one allow when overtaking a cyclist?

When overtaking a cyclist on a country road with no bike lane, how much room should a driver of a car give these people.

I know a lot of drivers try to get as close to cyclists as they can, i try to give them a bit of room (half a lane approx if possible), but i got abused by a cyclist on the weekend after giving him this much room. Was he just an angry man or was i too close? How much room do you drivers give them? Cyclists, how much room do you expect? How close is too close?

Please no cyclist/car bashing answers, i know both parties think they own the road, so lets not have that debate here.

Thanks

There's a windtunnel effect, especially at high speeds (bigger car, bigger effect). You should give as much room as you can. In high traffic, slow down, then give the biker at least 2 ft..

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