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: 

Barrio traffic calming

Post Date:09/10/2025 3:06 PM

During its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 the Carlsbad City Council voted to move forward with several measures to reduce speeds in the Barrio.

Map of Barrio traffic calming approved plan

The plan approved by the City Council includes:

  • New all-way stop signs at 4 intersections
  • 43 new high-visibility crosswalks
  • 1 raised crosswalk, which is similar to speed cushions with painted crosswalks on them
  • 6 rectangular rapid flashing beacons, which are signs that light up to alert drivers when people are crossing the street
  • 1 traffic circle that was previously approved by the City Council during its July 29 meeting

Next, staff will move forward with final design and return to a City Council meeting in November 2025 to request approval on the final plans and authorization to advertise for construction bids.

Sign up to receive email updates on projects in the Village and Barrio to make sure you get the latest information.

 

More resources

Sept. 9 City Council meeting recording
Barrio traffic calming
Barrio lighting
Barrio traffic circle public art

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