Cyclists call for drivers to open car doors with ‘Dutch Reach’

Learner drivers should have to learn the “Dutch Reach” method of opening cars to avoid hitting cyclists, say safety campaigners.

The charity Cycling UK has launched a campaign to encourage car occupants to look before opening a door.

The group has called for the so-called Dutch Reach method, whereby motorists use the hand furthest away from the door to open it, to be included in driving lessons. The technique, which has long been used in Holland, encourages people to look behind the car while also limiting how far their door can open.

The charity believes a new law of causing death or serious injury through negligently opening a car door should be introduced. Offenders face a maximum penalty of just £1,000, even if a cyclist is killed.

The charity’s analysis shows that between 2011 and 2015, 3,108 people were injured, eight fatally, where “vehicle door opened or closed negligently” was a contributing factor.