SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bike-dutch-reach

The 'Dutch Reach' helps protect bike riders. What does it tell people in parked cars to do?

Open the door with the far hand, which turns your body to look back.

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  1. Honk before opening the door
  2. Open the door very fast
  3. Open the door with the hand farther from it ✔

Why: Using the far hand makes you twist toward the door, so you naturally look back and see a rider coming. Then open the door slowly.

Huh, didn't know that: It is named after the Netherlands, where so many people bike that this habit caught on.

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Why did the driver use the Dutch Reach? It was a handy way to look out for others.
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References

Answer: Open the door with the hand farther from it. Using the far hand makes you twist toward the door, so you naturally look back and see a rider coming. Then open the door slowly.

  1. MTC: Use the Dutch Reach When Opening Car Doors mtc.ca.gov/news/use-dutch-reach-when-opening-car-doors
    The Dutch Reach teaches people in vehicles to open the door using the far hand.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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