The “Dutch Reach” is a great place to start, but making our roads safer requires more than just one person’s effort. It’s about creating a culture where everyone is mindful of others on the road.
This means that:
- Cities can create more protected bike lanes and put up signs to remind drivers to watch for cyclists.
- Schools and driver’s education programs should teach new drivers about road-sharing and techniques like the Dutch Reach from the very beginning.
Road safety is not just the responsibility of drivers. It’s a shared effort that includes passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. By adopting simple habits like the Dutch Reach, we can all contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
The next time you get out of a parked car, remember this simple trick. Pause for a moment. Use your right hand to open the door, turn your body, and look behind you. This small, intentional action can protect a cyclist, prevent a serious accident, and may even save a life. As the original article concludes, “Road safety doesn’t require heroic effort. It just requires care.”
