This incredibly simple commonsense technique is taught in driver education courses in the Netherlands where cycling is a mainstay mode of transportation and you should familiarize yourself with it to protect against dooring accidents.
It really couldn’t be much simpler, instead of using the hand closest to the door, reach across with the hand furthest from the door. By using the “Dutch Reach” you naturally turn your body towards the window, helping you get a visual approaching cyclists and other oncoming traffic. It also allows you to open the door slowly and carefully, rather than swinging it open in one movement.
“It’s been Dutch commonsense for 50 years. Reach, Swivel, Look out at mirror & back, Open slowly.”
Please share this knowledge around with your friends and hopefully we can help keep bikers more protected on our roads. If you would like to know more about the Dutch Reach and possibly start and advocacy program in your community you can find plentiful resources HERE.
