The streets of French cities welcome more cyclists each year, especially in the capital. The explosion of soft mobility is unfortunately accompanied by an increase in accidentsespecially because of the reckless opening of doors. In 2023, 221 cyclists and 44 users of electric bikes lost their lives on French roads. Faced with this alarming observation, the French authorities plan to adopt a proven solution in the Netherlands: The Dutch handle.
A simple gesture that saves lives
The Dutch handle is based on a simple principle. The driver or the passenger uses the opposite hand to the door to open it. Concretely, a driver seated on the left grabs the handle with his right hand. This movement naturally forces a rotation of the bust, making it possible to verify in the rear view mirror and the blindness if a cyclist approaches. More than just a technique, it is a new habit that transforms the door opening into a safety reflex.
The Netherlands, bicycle nation, made this method a second nature. Dutch driving schools teach it systematically, contributing to the country’s reputation as a model of cohabitation between motorists and cyclists. The success of this approach draws the attention of European institutions, which reflect on its generalization in all member countries.
A revolution in habits in perspective
The Ministry of Ecological Transition confirms the extent of the problem: Almost one in ten collision between cars and cyclists in town involves a door. Road safety has already integrated the Dutch handle into its training in 2023, but its optional character limits its adoption. The legal obligation would change the situation, imposing this protective gesture on all drivers.
The explosion of cycling strengthens the urgency of acting. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of cyclists jumped 33 % depending on Vélo & Territoires. This rapid transformation of urban mobility requires adaptation of behavior. The Dutch handle represents a concrete response to this challenge, combining simplicity of application and preventive efficiency.
The official adoption process takes shape. Discussions are advancing at European level to modify the highway code of member countries. In France, a ministerial decree could formalize this practice. Driving schools will then have to integrate it into their program, ensuring The systematic transmission of this gesture to new drivers.
- The Dutch handle consists in opening its door with the opposite hand, forcing a natural verification of the blindness
- This technique could become compulsory in France in 2024, following the example of the Netherlands
- Door accidents represent 10 % of collisions between cars and cyclists in town, justifying this evolution of the highway code
