A Personal Wake-Up Call
I didn’t always think about dooring. It just wasn’t on my radar—until one day, it nearly happened right in front of me.
I was out with a friend downtown. He parked the car, reached for the door, and—without glancing—opened it wide. In that split second, a cyclist came speeding down the bike lane.
I’ll never forget the look on the rider’s face—the sheer panic—and the way he had to swerve dangerously close to traffic to avoid the door. My heart dropped. My friend sat in stunned silence.
We got lucky. That’s all it was—luck. And luck is not a safety plan.
Cities Are Fighting Back Against Dooring
Thankfully, many cities are starting to take bike safety more seriously. Protected bike lanes, warning signs, and awareness campaigns are popping up from New York to San Francisco.
But infrastructure can only do so much. It’s up to each of us—drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians—to change our habits. Because road safety is not a solo effort. It’s a shared responsibility.
And that’s where the Dutch Reach comes in.
Meet the Dutch Reach: A Small Twist With Life-Saving Potential
The Dutch Reach is a simple technique that originated in the Netherlands, where cycling is a daily way of life. Drivers and passengers there are taught from an early age to use the hand farthest from the car door to open it.
If you’re in the driver’s seat, that means using your right hand. For passengers, it’s the left hand.
Why? Because that small twist in your body forces you to turn your shoulders and look behind you—giving you a clear view of the side mirror and any approaching cyclists, scooters, or cars.
Why It Works: The Science of a Simple Turn
Opening your car door with the hand opposite the door may feel awkward at first. But it forces your body to do what your brain often forgets to—check your surroundings.
The act of turning your body automatically brings your head around, giving you a split-second view that can mean the difference between safety and disaster.
I started using the Dutch Reach after that scary moment with my friend. At first, it felt strange—like writing with my non-dominant hand. But after a week or two, it became second nature. Now, I can’t imagine opening my car door any other way.
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