An NDP bill aimed at making roads safer for cyclists cleared second reading yesterday, with the NDP vowing to keep pushing until it becomes law, just one of the actions needed to prevent as many cyclist collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.
The Teach-the-Reach Act, put forward by Davenport MPP Marit Stiles, proposes to add the Dutch Reach method to driver’s testing and training in Ontario. The Dutch Reach is a simple maneuver that prompts motorists to check their blind spot for cyclists before exiting their vehicles, which helps prevent collisions known “dooring.”
“Cyclists should be able to bike our streets without constantly bracing for the impact of a car,” and Stiles. “Teaching the Dutch Reach is such a simple way to remind drivers to exercise the caution required to protect cyclists from potentially devastating injuries.
“I’m pleased to see this important private member’s bill move forward, and I will be urging this government to pass it without delay, so we can add the Dutch Reach to the Official Ministry of Transportation Driver’s Handbook this year.”