Dutch Reach
35% of drivers admit to not looking for cyclists before opening their car door. This can be dangerous and every year over 500 people are people across England, Wales and Scotland are injured because someone opens a car door into their path – and these are just the injuries which are reported to police – many more are never reported.
The Dutch Reach is a simple solution to this problem – a change of habit to help you open your car door safely. Instead of using the hand closest to the door, it means reaching across to open the door with the hand furthest from the door – your left hand if you’re the driver. This naturally turns your body towards the window, helping you spot approaching cyclists.
Cycling UK’s guide and virtual reality film demonstrates the Dutch Reach and highlights why it’s so important.