— The City of Raleigh approved a new ordinance for bike safety Tuesday evening that will require drivers to check their rear-view mirrors after they park on a street to make sure the coast is clear before opening their doors.

The measure – which received a unanimous vote, 6-0 – is intended to prevent "dooring," which happens when a cyclist crashes into an open car door.

Raleigh officials say there have been more than 300 collisions between bicyclists and vehicles in the last five years, but only three involved dooring.

Violating the ordinance would result in a $50 civil penalty.

The ordinance also clears the way for new bike lanes to replace on-street parking in some areas.