A dangerous phenomenon, called “dooring” can be particularly hazardous for cyclists. Often sandwiched between parked cars and flowing traffic, bike riders are prone to being struck when a car door swings open. There were more than 300 cases of cyclists crashing into open car doors in 2015. In New York City, at least three cyclists died in 2019 as a result of dooring.
What can be done to protect bikers? Luckily, there is a simple, almost effortless step you can take to ensure cyclists’ safety. All it takes is opening your car door with your right hand. This tip comes from the Netherlands, which is why it’s known as the “Dutch Reach.” If you are sitting on the driver’s side of a parked car and you want to get out, don’t open the door with your left hand (even though it’s closest to the door). Instead, open the door with your right hand. This simple motion causes you to pivot your entire upper body as you reach, first drawing your line-of-sight past your rear-view mirror, and then out to the street behind you.
What About for Passengers?
The trick is to use the hand furthest from the door to ensure an upper-body pivot. So, if you’re on the passenger side, use your left hand instead of your right. It’s just that simple, and it works.
Source: MSN
