The Dutch Reach: Clever Workaround To Keep Cyclists From Getting Doored

Bicycle lanes can be a boon for cyclists but they can also land riders in the 'door zone,' a dangerous area sandwiched between primary vehicle lanes and parked cars. For decades now in the Netherlands drivers have been trained on a behavior that dramatically reduces the risk of doorings.

The Dutch Reach is a practice where instead of using your near hand - usually the driver's left hand - to open your car door, you use your far hand. In doing that, you automatically swivel your body. And you position your head and shoulders so you are looking directly out.