When is it appropriate to honk your horn at a cyclist?

Honing your horn at a cyclist is most appropriate as a warning when necessary. This means using your horn to alert the cyclist to your presence if you are approaching them closely and there's a risk of collision. The intent behind this use is to enhance safety by making sure that the cyclist is aware of your vehicle, especially in situations where they may not see or hear you.

Using the horn in this way is a responsible approach to preventing accidents, as it ensures that both parties are aware of one another, allowing for better decision-making on the road. This action should be used judiciously and in situations where it's genuinely needed for safety, rather than as a means of expressing annoyance or attempting to rush the cyclist, which could lead to danger and misunderstanding.