Originally Posted by
mcours2006
I would say as a general rule that no one should be tooting (or honking) a cyclists, friendly or otherwise. It's usually interpreted as 'Get the F out of my way, move the F over so I can pass, or F u for hogging the lane'. No cyclist I know would interpret a honk of the horn as a friendly one. We'd just prefer you give us space and be on your way.
Well... i disagree.
When i say 'toot" it's barely a millisecond and from a distance. Its to let the cyclist know there's a car approaching. Usually at a place where i can't move over to the left past the dividing line.
Many times I ride in places where a toot to let me know that are passing would be appreciated.
Just today I was on a two lane road and needed to make a left turn. I signaled left and moved into the right lane. As i started to move into the left lane I heard a "toot" from a way back to acknowledge they saw my left arm out and I was clear to move to the left.
It's not like they were laying on the horn saying "GET THE F OUT OF MY WAY".
Duration says a lot of their intent.