When passing a parked car, what is the safest practice to follow?

When passing a parked car, riding as far to the left as possible is the safest practice because it creates more space between the motorcycle and any potential hazards. Parked cars present various risks, such as an occupant suddenly opening a door into the lane, or vehicles that may pull out unexpectedly. By positioning yourself further away from the parked car, you minimize the chance of a collision with a door or another vehicle.

This approach also allows for better visibility of the road ahead and improves your reaction time to any unforeseen situations. Maintaining a central lane position is generally a safe riding practice under normal conditions, but it does not account for the increased risk presented by parked vehicles. Likewise, relying on your horn as a warning does not effectively prevent accidents and can distract from more defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe distance. Passing only when there is oncoming traffic would likely place you in a dangerous situation and does not align with the goal of ensuring safety when navigating around parked cars.