definition for: #DutchReach

The "Dutch Reach" is the use of the far hand to initiate exiting of motor vehicles by drivers & passengers so as to avoid dooring bicyclists, motorcyclists, moped riders, skateboarders, joggers & other on-coming traffic such as trucks, buses, street cars etc., which can result in minor, serious and fatal crashes, vehicle damage, prosecution, civil liability, license loss, insurance rate increases, etc. Doorings are among the top 3 causes of bicycle crashes in many urban areas, & a major daily fear & concern among urban cyclists. The far hand method may be summarized as: Reach across with far hand to door latch, causing your upper body to swivel outward, allowing views of side mirror, out and back over the shoulder, open slowly when safe, exit facing on-coming traffic. The Dutch Reach Project founder coined the term in 2016, and promotes its use internationally. The method has been common practice in the Netherands for about 50 years, also in Denmark & some other European countries, but never had a specific name, just being 'the way you open car doors' for the Dutch. Not a substitute for safer infrastructure & cyclist defensive caution and avoidance of riding in the door zone, the DR is a simple, cost free, obvious habit swap which - to the extent a society adopts it, road sharing becomes safer for all, including heedless drivers & passengers who might themselves step out into danger. The #dutchreach network of contributors & readers is a site for those with bicycle safety and road safety concerns to share news, resources & encouragement to help others swap out their old near hand fling habit for the far safer far hand habit.