GOING DUTCH
You may soon be forced to open car doors in a whole new way by using the Dutch Reach – but what is it?
The safety measure could be added to the Highway Code to help protect cyclists and motorbike riders
DRIVERS and passengers alike may need to adopt the Dutch Reach when opening car doors in a bid to protect cyclists.
Shown in the video above, the technique requires you to use the hand furthest from the door to open the handle.
2
This forces your body to turn so you can look out for any cyclists, motorbike riders or even other vehicles before opening a door that could hit them.
The safety measure could be made a driving law as the Government considers whether to add it into the Highway Code.
A review headed by the Department for Transport is currently underway, with the aim to empower cyclists and pedestrians.
Campaigners such as Cycle UK also hope that drivers will be forced to let other road users have priority before turning a corner to help avoid further accidents at junctions.
2
The proposal follows recent figures revealing 101 cyclist deaths in 2017 caused by road traffic collisions, including 'car dooring'.
'Dutch Reach' is thought to be the by-product of the Stop the Kindermoord protest in the Netherlands around the 1970s, following the death of hundreds of child cyclists by cars.
The phrase itself was coined by American doctor Michael Charney in 2016, who now advocates the use of the method in the States.
Changes to the Highway Code may also include drivers being liable for the damage caused to a bike and its repair costs, should they hit a cyclist.
MORE FROM MOTORS
Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK's Head of Campaigns, said: "Close overtakes and people opening car doors in front of cyclists are not only dangerous, they also put people off riding a bike.
"That's why Cycling UK has been campaigning for changes to the Highway Code rules for many years, to make the requirements to give enough space when overtaking a cyclist, wait if you can’t, and look before you open your car door crystal clear.
"We're delighted the government has listened and we hope to contribute to the discussions regarding the amendments required to prioritise the safety of cyclists and other vulnerable road users."