Question: What is the car-door maneuver known as the “Dutch Reach”?
Answer: It’s a way to open a car door that protects oncoming bicyclists that you might not see otherwise. It originated in the Netherlands (hence its name), where they teach it in driver education classes. Here’s how it works: If you’re 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 by your rear-view mirror, and then out to the street behind you. It’s awkward, but minimizes the chance of “dooring” a bicyclist.
