Forum Topic

£1,000 fine for not using the Dutch reach

Finally a bit of levelling up:Highway Code: The law that could see cyclists fined £2,500 for using a mobile phone while riding. I knew,  if there was any justice,  they’d start wringing money out of the cyclist.  I think this is just the start. It’s about time the cycle lobby got a taste of being the cash cow for a change. Persecution of the motorist won’t go away but it’ll do . Think I’ll  a break from the forum

Maggie Dodge ● 1629d15 Comments

I wonder what the penalty will be for an e-bike on the pavement (next to the cycleway) while talking on a hand-held mobile.

David Lesniak ● 1629d

Nothing if walking it surely?  There are still plenty of motorists who use their mobile phones whilst driving.

Philippa Bond ● 1629d

"I knew,  if there was any justice,  they’d start wringing money out of the cyclist."And if they start fining cyclists for riding without lights after sunset, they could make squillions more.

Steve Taylor ● 1629d

A veritable gold mine, just waiting to be tapped into. Millions of cyclists in London you know!

Maggie Dodge ● 1628d

Duh, I had to look up what a Dutch reach was.

Stewart Jones ● 1627d

They will find it impossible to impose this ‘law’ or prove conclusively that a driver didn’t use Dutch reach if a cyclist happened to be knocked of cycle due to riding too close to a parked car. As a cyclist I always give cars a wide berth if I can see that someone is about to open a door. Just common sense. Be alert at all times especially if you aren’t cycling on cycle lanes.

Steve Taylor ● 1627d

It's taught as part of the driving test in the Netherlands.

Philippa Bond ● 1627d

If we had cycling tests here, cyclists could be taught to avoid riding close to cars where a driver or passenger may open a door.

Steve Taylor ● 1627d

Breaking news folks..there are rarely any old bill around to enforce these laws.

Keith Iddon ● 1627d

There is a problem that many drivers are impatient and feel they have a perfect right to pass cyclists wherever they are and whether there it is safe to or not.  They don't allow the same width of space as they would when passing a car which they should do.

Philippa Bond ● 1627d

Or maybe drivers could be a little bit careful when they open a door into traffic?

John Hannon ● 1627d

Drivers definitely should be more careful when opening doors. I agree 100%. But they aren’t. Almost every week I encounter a car door being opened in front of me whether in my car or on a bike so I pre-empt the moronic behaviour, especially on a bike. I am always astounded at how many cyclists ride so close to parked cars especially when it is obvious that a driver or passenger is about to get out.  As a driver I will never use the Dutch reach method because I am quite capable of checking before I open a door and I ALWAYS warn my passengers to do likewise. It’s just common sense. Why oh why do people always rely on this Nanny State to tell them what to do? Have people lost the ability to think and act sensibly or is it all now about self entitlement!!

Steve Taylor ● 1627d

Surely to God learner drivers are still told to check their bloody mirrors before they open their doors aren't they? To have come up with this 'Dutch reach' is incredible, it is of course a common sense thing to check your mirrors but then we all know common sense ain't that common.

Vanessa Smith ● 1627d

This is all “fake news”. There is no new law requiring drivers to use the Dutch reach, just a recommendation in the Highway Code to use it where practicable. There is an existing law with fines up to £1,000 for opening a car door causing  injury. In practice even if someone is killed - invariably a cyclist flung into the path of another vehicle - fines are much lower than the max. The proposed £2,500 potential fine for cyclists using a mobile just brings them into line with motorists. I doubt many will be fined at all, certainly not 2.5K, after all plenty of motorists still seem to use their phones with little fear of large fines.

David Turner ● 1627d

It IS exactly why as a cyclist you should not ride close to parked cars despite impatient and bullying motorists trying to get you to move over and out of their way!  Take the lane!Too many drivers don't look properly before opening a door and don't make sure that their passengers learn to do the same.I think it is the Evening Standard reminding everyone about the Highway Code which they should already be aware of.

Philippa Bond ● 1627d