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: 

Final design of Barrio traffic circles at City Council

Post Date:02/28/2025 9:48 AM

On Tuesday, March 4, the Carlsbad City Council agenda includes an item to approve the plans, specifications and authorization to bid for the Barrio traffic circle project.

City Council meeting
Tuesday, March 4, 5 p.m.
Council Chamber, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Read the staff report

How to comment in person or email clerk@carlsbadca.gov
Watch online

Barrio traffic circle map features

 

About

As part of an overall goal of improving traffic safety and walkability, the Village & Barrio Master Plan calls for adding traffic circles and other traffic calming features at several intersections in the Barrio area. Based on community feedback, technical analysis and the City Council’s direction:

  • Phase 1 of the project includes construction of five traffic circles and an enhanced crosswalk.
  • Phase 2, which will be presented to the City Council in late 2025, includes curb extensions at two intersections.

Before construction of the traffic circles in the middle of these intersections begins, the project will relocate and replace aging water and sewer utilities to comply with current standards, which will improve reliability.

 

Related topics

Barrio lighting

Barrio traffic circle public art

Safer Streets Together

Designing for safety

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