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 effective March 26, 2026 

The Carlsbad City Council formally adopted new e-bike laws at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The news laws are in effect as of March 26, 2026, starting with a 60-day warning period.

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

The Carlsbad Police Department hosts quarterly bike and e-bike safety classes. Sign up to be the first to know when new classes are added.

Online resources are also available: 

Construction to start on beach stairs and sidewalk

Phase 1 construction to begin

Post Date:11/04/2025 12:59 PM

Construction will begin soon along Carlsbad Boulevard between Pine and Tamarack avenues to replace the upper seawall stairs and widen a portion of the sidewalk. 

What to expect during construction

  • Traffic lanes will shift with one car lane in each direction.
  • Bike lanes will be maintained.
  • Speed limits will be reduced to 20 mph in the work zone.
  • Portions of the sidewalk on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard will be closed. Please use the lower seawall or the sidewalk on the east side of Carlsbad Boulevard.
  • One to two beach stairways will be closed at a time. Please use nearby beach access points as alternatives. 
  • Some street parking will be restricted. 
  • Traffic delays are possible so give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.
  • Projects like this can create noise and dust with construction equipment stored nearby. 

Thank you for your patience as we take care of important maintenance needs and ensure long-term, safe coastal and beach access. 

Construction schedule 

Phase 1 Nov. 2025 – Spring 2026
Phase 2 Fall 2026 – Spring 2027
No construction between Memorial Day and Labor Day
Monday – Friday, except city holidays
7 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Beach access map 

What we’re doing

The beach access repair project will replace the four stairways along Carlsbad Boulevard between Pine and Hemlock avenues and widen a portion of the sidewalk between Pine and Cherry avenues. The sidewalks and stairways were built in the 1980s and concrete has chipped away in places to expose rebar, there is visible corrosion, and soil has eroded away from some of the foundations. 

  • The stair locations and general design, including the overlooks and landing areas/platforms, will remain the same
  • The sidewalk between Pine and Cherry avenues will be widened by 2 ½ feet to make more room for the many walkers, joggers and other users who enjoy this popular location
    • One foot will come from the removal of the surface mounted railing and metal beam guardrail, which is consistent with sidewalks to the north and south
    • The sidewalk will also be extended 1½ feet to the west over the bluff
  • Existing streetlight poles will be replaced
  • The project will help reinforce and stabilize the bluff

Current beach stairs

Beach stairs current 

Before and after rendering of the sidewalk area

Carlsbad Blvd. wider sidewalk 

Thank you again for your patience during construction as the city takes care of these important maintenance needs. 

Contact

De La Fuente Construction, Inc. 619-936-1835
City of Carlsbad 442-339-2780
cmi@carlsbadca.gov 

 

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