May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and with the beautiful weather in Carlsbad lately, more people are gearing up to explore Carlsbad on two wheels. Whether you are biking, walking or driving, please look out for each other on the road, put away distractions and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go.

If you’re driving, here are a few tips for driving safely around bicyclists:

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or opening car doors.
• Yield to bicyclists at intersections just as you would other vehicles.
• State law requires drivers to change lanes when possible to pass bicyclists and always maintain at least 3 feet of space.

If you’re planning an e-bike ride in the days or weeks ahead, remember new e-bike safety laws took effect in Carlsbad on March 26, starting with a 60-day warning period.

• 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.
• The operation of e-bikes is prohibited at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue Community Parks. Please park your e-bike when you arrive at these parks.
• Anyone operating an e-bike must be at least 12 years old.
• Riders under 18 years old on any bike or e-bike, and riders of all ages on a class 3 e-bike must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet. This video can help you make sure your helmet fits correctly.
• Parents can be held responsible if they knowingly allow their children to break the rules.

A 60-day warning period is underway through May 25. During the warning period, officers are primarily focused on education and increasing awareness of the new laws.

Learn more.

Bike and e-bike safety training

The Carlsbad Police Department is hosting a bike and e-bike rodeo on Saturday, May 9, for anyone who wants hands-on training and to learn bike and e-bike safety tips. The training includes:

• Safety instruction
• Helmet fitting
• Navigate your bike through a challenge course

Bike and E-bike Rodeo
Saturday, May 9
9 a.m. to Noon
Safety Training Center
5750 Orion St.

Space is limited and registration is required. We expect the training to fill up quickly. Register today.