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The Dutch Reach: A No-Tech Way to Save Bicyclists’ Lives

nytimes.com

191–196 of 196 posts

Re: The Dutch Reach: A No-Tech Way to Save Bicyclists’ Lives

#191
post #132

This "Dutch reach" thing is an example of a phenomenon I've seen several times before. People who promote a practice seem to think their argument will be more persuasive if the practice came from an admired foreign country, yet the people who live in that country have never heard of it and/or do not commonly do it. In this case it's the Dutch, but I've seen all kinds of similar nonsense about Japan.

I am Dutch. My wife is a driving instructor. She says that drivers should be taught the Dutch Reach: hold the door with your left hand, unlock and open it with your right hand, look in your mirrors and through the door opening, if it's safe open the door fully and leave the car. Walk toward the back of the car so you are facing the traffic. (When entering the car you go around the front of the car for that same reaso…

I've been taught this. Or at least parts of it; I'm not sure about the walking towards the back.

But whatever I was taught, I know very well to always pay attention to the other traffic. I find it bizarre that some people don't as soon as their car stops.

Re: The Dutch Reach: A No-Tech Way to Save Bicyclists’ Lives

#192

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Dutch just call it "The Reach". It's like in space, how they don't call it a "Space Bathroom", it's just a "Bathroom".

Ehh, no we don't. We don't do it and we don't call it anything.

I must have it confused with a "Dutch Rudder", which the Dutch just call a "Rudder". ;)

Re: The Dutch Reach: A No-Tech Way to Save Bicyclists’ Lives

#193
post #156

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> They took out a lane, put in a turn median turn lane and a bike lane. > https://goo.gl/maps/736bR7HMats It is unrelated to the original subject, but how does this "median turn lane" work? For me, the marking means that you can get out of that lane, but not into it in the first place... To get into that lane, you have to cross a continuous line from your side, which is not supposed to happen (in the rules I know at…

It's a turn lane, you enter it from the left (either direction) and then can sit there until it's safe to turn into a driveway.

I see the marking style is official ("Two-Way Left Turn Lane"):

https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/services/publications/fhwaop02090...

... but it is still a weird choice that it re-uses the marking for "Passing Permitted in Direction Having Single Lane" in a not quite compatible manner. I would not have picked that, it hurts my sense of regularity :-)

BTW, is it allowed to use that type of lane for the opposite manoeuvre (I mean coming from a driveway, crossing the 2 lanes on your side, then sit on the middle lane until you can safely insert in the opposite traffic). I guess not?

Re: The Dutch Reach: A No-Tech Way to Save Bicyclists’ Lives

#194

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ehh, no we don't. We don't do it and we don't call it anything.

I must have it confused with a "Dutch Rudder", which the Dutch just call a "Rudder". ;)

Haha! Wow I had to urbandictionary that one, but yes, that's actually the usual way we copulate.

Re: The Dutch Reach: A No-Tech Way to Save Bicyclists’ Lives

#196
post #174
post #159

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm quite sure that the primary factor for safety in the Netherlands is the excellent infrastructure. Separate bike lanes, crossings that take into account viewing angles, etc. - cyclist safety is so ingrained in road design here, and it directly affects how safe it is to cycle, even when you're a lone cyclist. The law is probably a second large factor, and only then do I think the number of cyclists comes into play.…

As somebody who cycled in nearly 15 different nations inside and outside of Europe, cycling in the Netherlands is a joy. For me it was mainly three factors: 1. Infrastructure: wide enough seperated lanes without potholes in a bright color, making it clear also to pedestrians. Most of the time very clear visibility on crossroads. 2. Motorized traffic is most of the time far less stressed than in other parts of europe…

I think you forgot a very important point: no uphill climbs :P
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