The MC Wheelers are members of RIde Illinois, our state bicycle advocacy group. Their latest e-Newsletter can be found <here>. Of interest is a technique called the Dutch Reach that State Rep. Theresa Mah is trying to make part of Illinois driver training. The Dutch Reach is a way for motorists leaving parallel-parked cars to avoid “dooring” cyclists coming from behind – by opening their car doors with their right (not left) hand. This method results in a torso twist where you are better positioned to see cyclists and limits the speed with which the vehicle door opens. Read more at Dutch Reach Project… RB
Updated 9/13/18: Now Law in Illinois. A new law requires the Illinois secretary of state to include in the ‘Rules of the Road’ information on the ‘Dutch Reach‘ method of opening a vehicle door to avoid injuries to bicyclists. It also requires that the term be included in the pool of questions to obtain a driver’s license.Aug 23, 2018