The Dutch Reach is a simple solution to help stop ‘dooring’ incidents

In the quest for safer roads and reduced accidents, innovative ideas often emerge from unexpected places. Just this week, we learned that some major automobile companies have come up with exit warning systems prevent a driver from opening a car door until it is safe to do so. The idea is that the warning will prevent “dooring” incidents. But there is a much easier solution and it’s been around for years. It is the “Dutch Reach,” a simple yet effective technique that has gained attention for its potential to prevent accidents, particularly those involving cyclists. Originating in the Netherlands, the Dutch Reach is a mindful practice that promotes safer behavior when exiting a vehicle, ultimately contributing to a more secure and harmonious coexistence between motorists and cyclists on the road.

The Origin of the Dutch Reach

The term “Dutch Reach” refers to a technique that originated in the Netherlands and has been a part of Dutch driver education for many years. The concept is centered around the idea of opening a car door using the hand farthest from the door—reaching across the body to open the door with the hand opposite the door. This simple change in behavior can have profound implications for road safety, especially in areas with a high volume of cyclists.

The Problem: “Dooring” Incidents

One of the major risks faced by cyclists in urban environments is the threat of “dooring” incidents. Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens their door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist, often leading to collisions, injuries, and even fatalities. These incidents are particularly prevalent in densely populated cities where cyclists share the road with parked cars.

Most urban cyclists try to avoid so-called “door zones,” even though many city bike lanes take riders directly into the door zone on the left side of parked cars. It is important to note that it is perfectly fine and legal to move further to the left of a bike lane and onto the neighboring traffic lane to avoid a risky situation like a door zone.

“You need to look again. It’s not one and done,” he says. “Things are constantly coming into your space.”

“My advice, and it’s always worked for me even when I’m riding outside of work, is you really do have to be more aware,” said Erin Urquhart, a bicycle-riding parking enforcement officer with Toronto Police Service, in an article for the Canadian Automobile Association.

“As you’re riding, you have a lot of work to do,” she added. “The person with the most control over their outcome is going to be the rider themselves.”

Originating in the Netherlands, the Dutch Reach is a mindful practice that promotes safer behavior when exiting a vehicle.

UK is considering promoting the “Dutch Reach” in the Highway Code: opening car door with hand farthest from handle to prevent dooring cyclists.
cc @modacitylife https://t.co/dEe0DmrQ11 pic.twitter.com/sh8WYYNlbK

— Taras Grescoe 🚇 @straphanger@urbanists.social (@grescoe) October 18, 2018

The Dutch Reach as a Solution

The Dutch Reach offers a straightforward yet impactful solution to reduce dooring incidents. By adopting this technique, drivers and passengers are encouraged to turn their bodies and look over their shoulder before opening the car door. This simple act of checking for oncoming cyclists significantly reduces the risk of a collision, providing a moment for both the motorist and the cyclist to react and avoid a crash.

Benefits of the Dutch Reach:

1. Enhanced Awareness: The Dutch Reach promotes increased awareness among drivers and passengers about the presence of cyclists on the road. By making it a habit to check for oncoming traffic before opening a car door, individuals contribute to a safer road environment.
2. Reduced Collisions: The primary goal of the Dutch Reach is to prevent drivers exiting parked cars from hitting cyclists. By incorporating this technique into everyday driving habits, motorists can play an active role in reducing incidents and protecting vulnerable road users.
3. Cultural Shift: Advocates for the Dutch Reach believe that promoting this technique can lead to a broader cultural shift in how people approach road safety. By embracing small yet impactful changes in behavior, individuals contribute to a collective effort to create safer road conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Dutch Reach represents a prime example of how a small change in behavior can have a significant impact on road safety. As cities strive to create more bicycle-friendly environments and reduce traffic-related incidents, the Dutch Reach offers a practical and accessible solution. By embracing this technique, individuals can contribute to a safer, more harmonious coexistence between motorists and cyclists on our roads. Ultimately, the Dutch Reach serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones.