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: 

Repainting scramble intersections

Post Date:02/10/2025

City of Carlsbad crews are putting a fresh coat of paint on the city’s two “scramble” intersections – those that allow pedestrians to cross in any direction, including diagonally.

On Feb. 5, crews completed work at the first intersection, at Carlsbad Boulevard and Carlsbad Village Drive. The team began the project around 2 a.m. to minimize the effects on the community. In the end, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will have increased visibility in one of the city’s most traveled areas.

Go behind the scenes with our team in this video, where they explain how increasing visibility entails more than just a fresh coat of paint. 

The original plan was to repaint the other scramble intersection at Carlsbad Boulevard and Grand Avenue the next morning, but due to rain in the forecast staff postponed to Tuesday, Feb. 11. That work has since been completed. 

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