The Dutch Reach: A Simple Trick That Says a Lot About Dutch Driving Culture

Ever noticed how Dutch people open their car doors a little... differently? It’s called the Dutch Reach, and it’s not just a quirky habit — it’s a smart safety move that highlights just how cycle-friendly the Netherlands really is.

Instead of using the hand closest to the door, Dutch drivers and passengers are taught to use their far hand. This simple motion forces you to naturally turn your body and look over your shoulder, giving you a much better chance of spotting cyclists, scooters, or pedestrians before you swing the door open into traffic.

In a country where bikes outnumber people and traffic lanes are shared between cars, bikes, trams, and everything in between, this tiny motion can prevent serious accidents. It’s second nature to many Dutch people — and it shows just how deeply safety and cycling awareness are baked into the culture.

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Cycling in the Netherlands 🚲🇳🇱

Let’s talk about bikes. The Netherlands has over 23 million bicycles — that’s about 1.3 bikes per person. Cycling here isn’t just a leisure activity, it’s how people get to work, school, the shops, and even dates. With flat terrain, well-maintained bike paths, and a national mindset that treats bikes like first-class citizens, cycling is practically a lifestyle.

Every city and village is designed with cyclists in mind. Dedicated lanes, bike traffic lights, and even multi-level bike parking garages are the norm. So naturally, when you’re getting out of a car — especially in a city — there’s a good chance a bike is passing by at any given moment.

That’s where the Dutch Reach becomes crucial. It’s a small but powerful tool to keep everyone safe in this high-bike-traffic environment.

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A Culture of Consideration (and Good Design)

The Dutch Reach isn’t enforced by law — it’s taught in driving lessons, encouraged by parents, and often just picked up by observing others. It’s one of those things that, as an expat, might feel strange at first... until it doesn’t. Eventually, it becomes muscle memory — just like watching out for a tram or slowing down at a zebra crossing, even when no one’s there yet.

It’s part of a broader culture that puts shared space and mutual respect at the heart of how Dutch people move through the world — whether on two wheels or four.

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Final Thoughts

The Dutch Reach is more than a driving tip — it’s a window into Dutch values. It shows how even a tiny change in behavior can make the roads safer for everyone, especially in a country where bikes rule the road. So if you’re driving in the Netherlands, do as the Dutch do: reach across, look back, and keep those cyclists rolling safely by.

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