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: 

More lighting for Barrio sidewalks

Post Date:01/08/2026 3:37 PM

Several infrastructure improvements are scheduled to start construction this year in the Barrio, including pedestrian lighting improvements, traffic safety measures and a project to replace water and sewer pipelines.  

First to start construction is a project to install more than 100 new lights next to sidewalks throughout the Barrio. 

Barrio light example on Roosevelt St

The city gathered input from the community in early 2022 to help determine where new pedestrian lights are needed in the Barrio. Community feedback, combined with technical analysis and availability of power connections helped determine where the lights will be located. 

If you’re in the area, here’s what you can expect:  

  • Construction will take place Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on holidays. 

  • Some sidewalks will be temporarily closed. We will set up pedestrian detours and clearly mark them with signs. 

  • Temporary parking restrictions will be in place near active construction areas.  

  • Temporary lane closures may also be needed at some locations. Please drive carefully and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go. 

  • Temporary power outages may be needed at some locations. If power outages are needed, SDG&E will notify residents and businesses in advance.  

  • This kind of construction can create noise and dust.  

  • Access to homes and businesses will be maintained. 

Door hanger notifications will be distributed to nearby homes and businesses a few days before work begins at each location. Construction on the lighting improvements is expected to be complete this fall. 

Traffic calming and utilities improvements 

The city also anticipates starting construction this spring to install traffic calming measures and replace aging water and sewer pipelines. The City Council approved the plans for the project in November 2025 and authorized staff to advertise for construction bids. The City Council will consider awarding the construction contract at its meeting on Jan. 27, and construction could begin this spring.  

Sign up for email updates to get the latest news on these projects and other projects planned in the Village and Barrio. 

Thank you for your patience during construction. A lot of work is planned in the Barrio this year, and we know construction can cause inconveniences. We will notify residents and businesses about construction impacts in advance and work as quickly as possible to limit impacts. 

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