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: 

Temporary traffic delays - northbound El Camino Real

Construction northbound ECR – College to Cannon

Post Date:04/03/2025 1:50 PM

Alleviating traffic congestion remains a top priority for the city. Next week, the week of April 14, construction is planned to begin on a project to improve traffic flow along northbound El Camino Real between College Avenue and Jackspar/Rancho Carlsbad drives and some traffic delays can be anticipated during construction.

Northbound El Camino Real in this area is currently two lanes and will undergo improvements to:

  • Add a third northbound car lane with a buffered bike lane
  • Build new sidewalks, curbs and gutters
  • Add new streetlights

What to expect during construction

  • While crews set up a concrete barrier to separate traffic from construction, the northbound lanes may be temporarily reduced to one lane for a couple of days next week.
  • After the concrete barrier is in place, the existing two northbound car lanes in the area will remain open during construction.
  • Speed limits will be temporarily reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone so please slow down and watch for workers.
  • Traffic delays are possible so please give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
  • Access for residents in the area will be maintained.

Biking northbound El Camino Real

  • The bike lane in the area will be closed. Bicyclists are encouraged to detour to College Blvd, Faraday Ave, Camino Hills and Jackspar drives.

Widening northbound El Camino Real, Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar/Rancho Carlsbad

April 2025 – mid 2026*
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*Pending weather and other factors

ECR widening

About the project

The city’s General Plan and Growth Management Plan calls for El Camino Real to be a six-lane roadway, and this project is just one of several along the main corridor to help alleviate traffic congestion.

Construction projects like these are a big undertaking, so thank you for your patience during your commute. Crews will work as quickly as possible and do everything we can to minimize inconveniences.

Text ECR to 760-302-5500 to sign up for text updates. Regular texting fees may apply.

Check the weekly construction map

Check the city’s construction map, which is updated weekly, to help you avoid or minimize traffic delays and detours that often come with construction. The map only shows city projects. It doesn’t include construction projects by local utilities, private companies or other agencies.   

Contact

cmi@carlsbadca.gov

 

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