Blog Post Sampler on Dutch Reach

Do you know the technique of the Dutch door? If not, then you are like the majority of us - and the majority of non-Dutchers, to tell the truth - who discovered this expression in the bend of a video recently released, And widely relayed on social networks . This technique, known as "Dutch Reach" in the video, is gaining popularity: it contributes to reducing the accidents of cyclists in cities ... A major challenge, if we want to democratize the rise of soft mobility And so appease our streets!

Credits: "traffic" - cc Sheila Tostes

Dutch art to open its door

But let's start at the beginning: what is the Dutch Reach, exactly? Behind this rather cryptic christening name is actually a simple but not simplistic trick: instead of opening the door of a car with the left hand, as is customary in the majority of the countries of the World, the Dutch driver is invited to open it with the right hand. In doing so, he forces his body to turn in the direction of the road, allowing him if necessary to see a cyclist arrive ... and thus to prevent him from hitting the door. To better understand this gesture as basic as effective, nothing is worth a video: [To view, Go back to French original above - click picture/link]

For those who have already ridden a bicycle in an unattractive metropolis for cyclists, the gesture is more than salutary. According to the video, the gesture would be taught in a majority of driving schools in the Netherlands, but also in Sweden, Denmark or Germany according to various Internet users having commented on it. But after all, it does not matter whether it is a Dutch movement or not: the important thing here is its effectiveness in reducing risk, but also in the symbolism it transmits ...

The sense of responsibilities

Indeed, this simple gesture carries in him a change of mentality not inconsiderable, which one could summarize to the following message: it is not only the cyclist to pay attention to what is in front of him (and this is particularly difficult In the case of a door opening without it being possible to anticipate it), but also to the driver of which it is well known that he will forget to look at the rear-view mirror if he is distracted or in too much of a hurry. In other words, the motorist remains responsible for the safety of the users who surround him , even when his car is at a standstill, and that he is no longer properly a "driver" ...

On paper, of course, this is obvious. In reality, however, the observation is more nuanced. As we know, automobile culture was also built in a culture of superiority over other modes, and many motorists forget that they share the street with other users. Obviously, it is not a matter of making the motorist the "  scapegoat of road safety  ", as certain lobbyists of the sector like to say, but simply to recall a logic of fact: in the matter of accidentology , Cars and soft modes do not play on equal terms!

In the passenger compartment of a car, a motorist will always take less risks than a pedestrian, a cyclist, a skateboarder or a user on hoverboard and other bizarre modes . In this context, the Dutch door technology reminds motorists of their responsibilities vis-à-vis other modes ... without disregarding the other users, who must keep an eye open to avoid door.

Lastly, the city appeased?

In fact, this debate on the sharing of responsibilities between vehicles and soft modes is nothing new, and the fact that in 2016 we "discover" this multi-year technique speaks volumes about the prevalence of our habits In terms of road safety. However, the hour is no longer a matter of trial and error. As cycling becomes more democratic in cities around the world, there is an increasing number of frictions between cyclists and motorists. The latter reproach the former for their imprudence, even though studies show that it is less involved than the lack of attention of the drivers themselves.

From then on, a dangerous misunderstanding is all to be put on the guilt of cyclists (who would be considered too unconcerned with the rules of the road), and to rest on their shoulders the majority of injunctions to be watched. For example, the recurring debate about the obligation to wear helmets for cyclists is a real misconception of road safety . Despite the progress of the bike, it still seems necessary to remember that a cyclist on the street is a particularly vulnerable city dweller, even though he would have some responsibility in some risk-taking. To do this, we must not stop reminding drivers of the danger they can represent, even through an innocent opening of the door.

The usual communication campaigns, however successful they may be, have only a limited effect on behavior. In reality, what could be more effective than inscribing this change of behavior into the most basic gestures, those which are repeated every day and which engrave in the marble a new division of responsibilities in the city? This is what the "Dutch reach" offers, and it is only to see the success of the Dutch bike to convince itself of its potential effectiveness. This is a gesture that literally costs nothing to anyone, and that could help to permanently soothe our roads in the absence of bike paths. So why not spread the message to future drivers?