Let's be Safer Together, Carlsbad!

The City of Carlsbad uses the three Es of traffic safety -- education, engineering and enforcement -- to help ensure everyone uses local streets safely. Thanks to your support, it's working! Please continue to look out for one another, follow our safety tips and share your commitment publicly so others will do the same.

New e-bike laws

New e-bike laws are now in effect in Carlsbad. Here is what to expect: 

  • Anyone operating an e-bike must be at least 12 years old, as allowed by Assembly Bill 2234.
  • When a minor breaks the rules and creates an immediate or substantial public safety risk, their e-bike may be impounded. The minor must complete an in-person safety course to retrieve the e-bike, and a parent or guardian must be present when the e-bike is released. 
  • The Police Department can also impound e-motorcycles, which are not street legal. 
  • E-bikes are prohibited at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue Community Parks. 

Additionally, the city's previously existing laws have been updated to provide additional clarity on safe riding behavior, including:

  • Riders must go at a safe speed for the conditions, factoring in weather, whether pedestrians are present and how quickly other traffic is moving.
  • Riders under 18 years old must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
  • Only e-bikes designed for passengers can carry more than one rider.

  • Parents are responsible for knowingly allowing their children to commit violations. 

E-bike chart with e-motorcycles

More information

E-bike laws overview
View the new ordinance  
Watch a recording of the City Council meeting 

Safety classes

Several organizations off bike and e-bike safety courses online: 

Changes to Sea Wall and stairs coming

Post Date:08/14/2024 6:00 AM

The City of Carlsbad’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission will review a project to replace the upper seawall stairs along Carlsbad Boulevard and widen the sidewalk between Cherry and Pine avenues.  After considering the proposed design and community feedback, the commission will vote to make a recommendation to the City Council.

Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
Monday, Aug. 5, 4 p.m.
Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Agenda
Read the staff report

How to participate

About the project

The Beach Access Repair Project will replace the four stairways along Carlsbad Boulevard between Hemlock and Pine avenues and widen the sidewalk between Cherry and Pine avenues. The sidewalks and stairways were built in the 1980s and concrete has chipped away in places to expose rebar, there is visible corrosion, and soil has eroded away from some of the foundations.

  • The stair locations and general design, including the overlooks and landing areas/platforms, will remain the same.
  • The sidewalk between Cherry and Pine avenues will be widened by 2 ½ feet to make more room for the many walkers, joggers and other users who enjoy this popular location.
    • One foot will come from the removal of the surface mounted railing and metal beam guardrail, which is consistent with sidewalks to the north and south.
    • The sidewalk will also be extended 1½ feet to the west over the bluff.
  • Existing streetlight poles will be replaced.
  • The project will help reinforce and stabilize the bluff.

Learn more. 

Construction

Construction would be phased so some stairways will remain open while others are being replaced, and work would be planned to avoid busy summer months. 

Next steps

  • After the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission, staff will present the final project to the City Council to seek approval of the final design and authorization to put the project out to bid.
  • Once work begins, construction will take about 20 months, not including breaks for summer months. 
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