Dutch Reach: Evenepoel's mission to protect cyclists

Remco Evenepoel and the Belgian postal service, Belgian Post Group, have partnered to launch a road safety campaign called "Remco Reflex". They want drivers and passengers to adopt the habit of opening doors Dutch-style to prevent accidents like the one suffered by the double Olympic champion a few days ago, which has required him to undergo surgery.

Remco Reflex: the road safety campaign with which Evenepoel wants to protect cyclists

Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel suffered a serious accident in which he fractured several ribs, his right scapula, and right hand, also had bruises on both lungs and a dislocated collarbone. All caused by an employee of the Belgian postal service who suddenly opened the door of his vehicle without looking first.

These types of accidents are called dooring (opening the door without looking) and we have previously discussed more about them and their remedy. The same remedy that Evenepoel and Belgian Post Group now want to promote through the "Remco Reflex" campaign.

Just one week after the accident, the postal company contacted Evenepoel to launch a road safety campaign in collaboration with the Cycling Academy that the leader of Soudal Quick-Step has in Brussels. The campaign involves distributing stickers for drivers to put on their vehicles and remember to use the "Dutch reach" technique before getting out of the car. This gesture involves opening the car door with the hand opposite to the side we are exiting, forcing us to turn our body and therefore look back before opening.

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10,000 steps a day or how much on a bike?

"Every year, more than 300 cyclists in Belgium are injured because car doors are opened without attention. With R.EV Brussels Cycling Academy, we want to take action. That's why we are launching 'Reflex Remco': a Remco Evenepoel sticker that reminds drivers to check before opening their door," said bpost during the presentation.

"Although all bpost drivers are extensively trained to use the Dutch Reach, a permanent visual reminder is helpful. Therefore, we will install 'Remco Reflex' on all their vehicles." "At bpost, we believe that a simple gesture can save lives," concluded bpost CEO Chris Peeters.

And this is how Evenepoel explained his collaboration with this campaign: "When the people at bpost made me this proposal, I immediately took the opportunity. All road users must consider each other. The bpost initiative will undoubtedly help raise awareness of road dangers. Therefore, I would like to thank bpost for introducing the Remco Reflex. Undoubtedly, this will prevent many accidents."

It is worth noting that Remco Evenepoel had a heartfelt gesture with the driver involved in his crash after learning that she had been deeply affected by the accident.