The Netherlands has found a solution to the problem of car doors and cyclists (Transport secretary knocks man off his bike, 16 December). Dutch motorists are trained to open the car door with their opposite hand. This forces the body to swivel, and your eyes to look backward, thus spotting a passing cyclist. Drivers must demonstrate this to pass the driving test. It is referred to sometimes as the “Dutch reach”. In the Netherlands it is simply called how you open your car door.

Henry Stewart

London

• As the transport secretary is now a little more aware of the safety issues surrounding the opening of a door, can we look forward to a prompt resolution to the current rail dispute?

Ian Grieve

“Gordon Bennett”, Shropshire Union canal

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