What is the Dutch grip, potentially imposed by the Highway Code this year ?

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The streets of French cities welcome more and more cyclists every year, especially in the capital. The explosion of soft mobility is unfortunately accompanied by an increase in accidents, particularly because of the careless opening of doors. In 2023, 221 cyclists and 44 electric bike users lost their lives on French roads. Faced with this alarming observation, the French authorities are considering adopting a solution proven in the Netherlands: the Dutch handle.

A simple gesture that saves lives

The Dutch handle is based on a simple principle. The driver or passenger uses the hand opposite the door to open it. In concrete terms, a driver sitting on the left grabs the handle with their right hand. This movement naturally forces a rotation of the torso, making it possible to check in the rearview mirror and the blind spot if a cyclist is approaching. More than just a technique, it is a new habit that transforms opening the door into a safety reflex.

The Netherlands, a cycling nation, has made this method second nature. Dutch driving schools systematically teach it, contributing to the country's reputation as a model of cohabitation between motorists and cyclists. The success of this approach has attracted the attention of European institutions, which are considering its generalization in all member countries.

A revolution in habits in sight

The Ministry of Ecological Transition confirms the scale of the problem: nearly one in ten collisions between cars and cyclists in the city involves a door. Road Safety has already integrated the Dutch handle into its training in 2023, but its optional nature limits its adoption. The legal obligation would change the situation, imposing this protective gesture on all drivers.

The explosion in cycling reinforces the urgency to act. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of cyclists jumped by 33% according to Vélo & Territoires. This rapid transformation of urban mobility requires an adaptation of behaviors. The Dutch handle represents a concrete response to this challenge, combining simplicity of application and preventive effectiveness.

The official adoption process is taking shape. Discussions are progressing at the European level to modify the Highway Code of member countries. In France, a ministerial decree could make this practice official. 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 of opening your door with the opposite hand, forcing a natural check of the blind spot
• This technique could become mandatory in France in 2024, following the example of the Netherlands
• Door accidents represent 10% of collisions between cars and cyclists in the city, justifying this change in the Highway Code

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