More Australians than ever before are ditching the drive to work and jumping on their bikes instead.
It’s good for their health and great for the environment, but it also comes with risks.
One the biggest threats to cyclists on the road are car doors being opened in their path, by drivers who accidentally forget to look over their shoulders.
There’s a simple trick to help you remember, and the Dutch have been using it for more than 50 years.
It’s called the “Dutch Reach“.
When people get out of the car, whether from the drivers seat of passenger side, they tend to use the hand closest to the door.
By using your far hand to reach across your body you'll automatically twist, forcing yourself to look behind you or - at the very least - catch a glimpse in your side view mirror.
You can watch a demonstration in the video above.
It's as easy as that!
Top Comments
Hey, did you hear about this on the 99% invisible podcast? I just heard it there. Me thinks another podcast nerd at mamamia has been listening to Roman Mars...
As a cyclist, I'm apologise in advance for the flippancy, but 'The Dutch Reach' sounds like it should be on my sexual bucket list.
As a cyclist who has unexpectedly face planted into the opening door of a white camry - I feel bad about myself for chuckling.
You're thinking of the Dutch Rudder. Do not ask me how I know that.
Mel, I found out...that's not a nautical term, is it?