chapter 6 — sharing the road do  Space margins  driving tip Communication  Always check your side  margin when passing a  cyclist. Recognize hand signals — understand the hand signals that  cyclists use. A cyclist may signal a right turn by extending the  right ar straight out. For more information about hand signals,  see the Tur signals section in  chapter 5, see-think-do. Make eye contact — a cyclist often uses eye contact to  communicate. Make eye contact if you can. She or he is  probably trying to anticipate your next move.  Avoid honking your horn — don’t honk your horn at a cyclist  unless you need to give a warning. A loud honk could startle a  cyclist and even cause a fall. Allow following distance  — allow plenty of following distance.  You need to be able to avoid hitting a cyclist who falls. Cyclists  who wobble are probably inexperienced and are more likely to fall than experienced cyclists. Give them even more space than usual.  Allow side margins  — a significant number of crashes involving  cyclists result from side‑swiping. Make sure there is enough  space if you want to pass a cyclist. On a narrow road, wait for a  clear, straight stretch that will allow you to pull out and give the  cyclist room. Remember, you are allowed to cross a single solid  yellow line when passing a cyclist, provided you can do it safely.  On a multi‑lane road, change lanes rather than risk crowding  the cyclist.  Even if you pull just  slightly into another lane  to pass, you are changing  lanes. Remember to  mirror check, signal and  shoulder check.  on the right, a cyclist has the right to move out toward the  middle for safety.  87 • Pay attention to bicycle lanes. For more information about  these lanes, see  chapter 4, rules of the road. At least 1 metre