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: 

Improving drainage behind Kelly Drive

Construction begins March 24

Post Date:03/20/2025 11:00 AM

Carlsbad works drainage 

The City of Carlsbad is working along the Kelly channel behind Kelly Drive to help improve drainage. 

What's involved

  • Some on-street parking spots along Kelly Drive near Hillside Drive will be temporarily unavailable
  • Parts of the sidewalk along Kelly Drive across from Kelly Elementary will be temporarily closed and walkers will be directed to use the crosswalk across the elementary school parking lot
  • Through traffic and access for residents will be maintained at all times
  • Noise from construction equipment can be expected 

Construction schedule 
  • April – mid summer* weather pending 
  • Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Thank you for your patience during construction as we work to improve drainage and prevent flooding in our neighborhoods. 

Contact

cmi@carlsbadca.gov 
442-339-2780

Kelly channel construction

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