City streets are a shared space, but a moment of carelessness can have devastating consequences. One of the most frequent and dangerous accidents for cyclists is known as “dooring,” which occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an oncoming bicycle. The cyclist has no time to stop, often leading to serious injury as they are thrown into traffic. This common urban danger is entirely preventable, and the solution is a simple habit known as the Dutch Reach.
The Dutch Reach is a technique taught in the Netherlands, a country renowned for its cycling culture. Instead of using the hand closest to the door, you use the hand farthest away. For a driver, this means using your right hand to open the door. This small change forces your body to twist naturally toward the window, prompting you to glance into the side-view mirror and look over your shoulder before the door opens even an inch. This built-in check provides a crucial moment to spot a cyclist, scooter, or pedestrian you might have otherwise missed.
Many cities have invested in protected bike lanes and public awareness campaigns, but infrastructure can only do so much. Ultimately, safety depends on individual behavior. The beauty of the Dutch Reach is that it turns a habitual action into a conscious safety procedure. It breaks the autopilot mode we often enter after parking, creating a powerful physical reminder to check our surroundings. What feels strange at first quickly becomes second nature, seamlessly integrating life-saving awareness into your daily routine.
This practice isn’t just for drivers; it’s for every passenger in the vehicle. Adopting the Dutch Reach is a small commitment with an enormous potential payoff. It protects vulnerable road users and spares drivers the profound regret of causing a preventable accident. By making this simple switch, we can all contribute to safer streets. It costs nothing, takes less than a second, and could very well save a life, making our communities safer for everyone who shares the road.
