> If it's not safe to go into the next lane to pass a cyclist, it's not safe to pass the cyclist at all.

Cyclists may ride in the center of the lane when they want to force this.

> The most effective change would be to have a 3-5 foot (1-1.5m) passing rule.

Assuming people actually follow that rule, that is.

From my (limited) experience as a cyclist, I think most motorists think they have more of a right to be on the road than bicycles do. This is false from a legal standpoint, but knowing the motorist was technically at fault probably won't make the cyclist feel any better when he's sitting in the hospital after getting hit by a car.

See this for more info: http://cyclingsavvy.org/hows-my-driving/