The Dutch Reach: A Small Habit That Could Save a Cyclist’s Life
City traffic can be stressful. Busy streets, impatient drivers, cyclists weaving through cars, and pedestrians glued to their phones make driving harder than ever. Some people choose to walk or take public transport instead, but many still drive every day. For them, road safety matters more than ever.
Staying safe isn’t only about following the speed limit or avoiding your phone while driving. Sometimes, a tiny habit can prevent a serious accident. One of these habits is called the Dutch Reach.
The Hidden Danger of “Dooring”
Every year, thousands of cyclists are hurt when a parked car door opens suddenly in their path. This is known as “dooring.”
It happens fast. A driver or passenger stops the car, grabs the door handle, and swings it open—without checking behind them. A cyclist has no time to react. The impact can throw them into traffic or onto the pavement.
Transport departments say dooring is one of the main causes of cyclist injuries in cities. The worst part? It’s completely preventable.
The Day I Saw It Happen
I never gave dooring much thought until I saw a close call myself.
A friend and I were downtown. He parked beside a bike lane, reached for the door, and started to open it. Just then, a cyclist came speeding toward us. The rider swerved into the next lane to avoid the door and barely escaped being hit by a passing car.
We were lucky. It could have ended badly. That moment taught me that luck isn’t a safety plan—and that even a quick shoulder check can save a life.
Cities Can Only Do So Much
Many cities have tried to reduce dooring with bike lanes, barriers, and warning signs. Public campaigns in places like New York and San Francisco aim to remind drivers to watch for cyclists.
But road safety isn’t only about infrastructure. It depends on the actions of each person behind the wheel—or sitting in the passenger seat. That’s where the Dutch Reach comes in.
How the Dutch Reach Works
In the Netherlands, where cycling is part of daily life, drivers learn a simple trick: open your car door with the hand farthest from it.
If you’re the driver, use your right hand. If you’re the passenger, use your left.
This forces you to twist your body, which naturally makes you look toward your mirror and over your shoulder. That extra glance gives you a chance to see an approaching cyclist, scooter, or car before you open the door.
Why It Helps
Most people open a car door on autopilot. The Dutch Reach adds a built-in safety check without extra effort. Turning your body automatically improves your awareness of what’s coming from behind.
When I started doing it after my near-miss, it felt strange. But within a week, it became a habit. Now, I do it without thinking.
It’s for Everyone in the Car
The Dutch Reach isn’t just for drivers. Passengers in the front and back can use it too. This protects cyclists and helps prevent the emotional and legal fallout from causing an injury.
If more people use it, it could become as normal here as it is in the Netherlands.
Safer Streets Need More Than One Fix
Avoiding dooring is just part of making roads safer. We also need:
- More protected bike lanes
- Clear signs reminding drivers to check for cyclists
- Lessons on sharing the road in schools and driving courses
- Community workshops on traffic safety
The more people understand the risks and how to prevent them, the fewer accidents will happen.
One Second Can Save a Life
Sometimes safety is about the smallest choices. Using your far hand to open a door takes one second, but it can prevent serious harm.
Next time you park, try it. Use your far hand. Turn your body. Look over your shoulder.
That quick check could keep a cyclist safe, save you from regret, and make city streets just a little less dangerous.
In the Netherlands, the Dutch Reach is second nature. If we adopt it here, it could save countless lives.
