Cycling groups, RACV call for “Dutch” technique for Victorian motorists

The Dutch have given us windmills, clogs and top-quality cheeses. But could they give us something that could help save cyclists from serious injury.

Motorists need to go Dutch in a bid to stop cyclists being injured, according to the nation’s peak bike lobbies.

But that’s got nothing to do with splitting the price of a meal.

The Dutch Reach involves a driver using their left hand when they turn to open the driver-side door, forcing them to turn their head.

Bicycle Network is among a group of leading cyclist advocacy groups that have teamed up with the RACV to call on the state government to include the method of getting out of a car into the road rule handbook and driving education for people getting their licences.

Existing laws mandate that drivers must only open their doors when it is safe to do so, including checking for cyclists.

But Bicycle Network says the rules don’t go far enough – or provide riders with adequate protection from being “doored” in a collision as they pass by cars.

Dooring is one of the most common types of bike-related crashes across Australia.

A RACV survey in 2020 found 80 per cent of Victorian cyclists feared being doored during their ride.

RACV spokeswoman Elizabeth Kim said the motoring organisation backed teaching the technique to motorists.

“While we’re excited by the increasing number of bike riders across the state, we have a real responsibility to ensure they feel safe on the roads,” she said.

“We know, through our experience with RACV Drive School, that once the Dutch Reach is taught to learner drivers, they do see the safety benefits and start to use the process thereafter.”

Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards said dooring was a serious concern for bike riders.

“We need to change the Behaviour of every person exiting a vehicle and this is an important first step,” he said.

“It may seem like a small win, but if every new driver in Victoria comes out of the learning experience with a catchy way to remember to look out for bikes, it will make a massive difference to road safety for bike riders.”

South Australia is only the state in the country to recommend the technique in its road rules.

The UK has since revised its Highway Code to recommend drivers use the Dutch Reach method.

A government spokeswoman said, “Cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users and may not be as visible as others”.

“We already have a number of measures in the road rules to protect cyclists, and last year we introduced minimum passing distances for drivers passing cyclists.”