Carlsbad, CA
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Safer Streets Together Plan
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.
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Parents are responsible for knowingly allowing their children to commit violations.
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:
- E-bike safety and training course (CHP endorsed)
- E-bike course offered by Motorcycle Safety Foundation and People for Bikes ($35.99)
- Electric Bike Academy ($50)
- League of American Bicyclists learning center (several resources available)
Back to school tips
As students across Carlsbad head back to school, the City of Carlsbad wants it to be a safe and successful year for everyone.
08/20/2024 3:34 PM
Rules for e-bikes and e-motorcycles
With the rise in popularity of e-bikes and the new school year approaching, you might start to see even more e-bikes on the street. When we talk to people about e-bikes and traffic safety, we’re often asked about the difference between e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
08/19/2024 1:58 PM
Changes to Sea Wall and stairs coming
The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission will review a project on Aug. 5 to replace the upper seawall stairs along Carlsbad Boulevard and widen the sidewalk between Cherry and Pine avenues.
08/14/2024 6:00 AM
SANDAG construction at La Costa Avenue at I-5
As part of the freeway widening project being led by SANDAG and Caltrans, you may notice construction work on La Costa Avenue over I-5 over the next several weeks.
08/12/2024 5:00 AM
Why we’re safer together in Carlsbad
At Monday’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting, our Police Department presented traffic collision data from the second quarter of the year. So far this year, we have had zero traffic related fatalities in Carlsbad, compared to six during the same timeframe last year and five the first six
08/09/2024 1:00 PM
Bike valet for summer events
The city is providing complimentary bike valets for all TGIF Concerts in the Parks and Art in the Village.
06/20/2024 9:45 AM
Park Drive slope and drainage construction
The City of Carlsbad will be improving public safety and access along Park Drive near Marina Drive starting in June.
06/17/2024 4:50 PM
Avenida Encinas improvements at Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
City staff will present proposed designs for traffic safety improvements along Avenida Encinas between Palomar Airport Road and the Poinsettia Coaster Station at the next Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission on June 3.
05/30/2024 12:49 PM
Protecting Carlsbad Boulevard from sea level rise
This week city staff reported the outcome of a grant-funded project to show how critical infrastructure could be protected from future sea level rise.
04/26/2024 1:07 PM
Safe seaside strolling
The improvements build on safety features already in place to support safe walking, biking and driving along our coastline.
04/15/2024 1:51 PM
Traffic calming explained (and how you can sign up)
The city has a traffic calming program designed to address neighborhood concerns about speeding in Carlsbad.
03/29/2024 9:33 AM
Tamarack improvements making a difference
On Tuesday night, the City Council decided to hold off on pursuing a long-term redesign of Tamarack Avenue, recognizing the effectiveness of existing traffic calming measures and responsibility of conserving funds for unknown future construction costs.
02/29/2024 10:36 AM
Long-term redesign Tamarack Avenue discussed at City Council
The Carlsbad City Council will discuss proceeding with a more long-term, permanent change to redesign Tamarack Avenue from Carlsbad Village Drive to Carlsbad Boulevard on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
02/23/2024 8:48 AM
New striping, same rules of the road
The city’s transportation staff presented an update to the City Council Tuesday on several projects, including the resurfacing and restriping of major east-west roadways.
01/12/2024 12:59 PM
Preserved parking prioritized in Barrio
Based on feedback from the community, the Carlsbad City Council selected curb extensions for two intersections in the Barrio.
01/11/2024 9:11 AM
Have your say: Safe routes to school
The City of Carlsbad is seeking public input on areas around two schools, Jefferson Elementary School and Sage Creek High School, where enhancements could be made for walking and biking routes.
01/08/2024 12:48 PM
Barrio traffic circle update
The Carlsbad City Council will receive an update on the Barrio traffic circle project and select a traffic calming option for Palm Avenue and Harding Street, and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 5 p.m.
01/04/2024 6:08 PM
Addressing DUIs
With holiday parties ramping up, it’s an important time to plan ahead, so everyone gets home safely.
12/08/2023 12:07 PM
Traffic safety tips and excellence award
This holiday season, please give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and remember to keep an eye out for more people on our roads, especially if it’s raining.
11/17/2023 11:34 AM
Bike valet at Carlsbad Village Faire
The City of Carlsbad is hosting bike valet services for the Carlsbad Village Faire on Sunday, Nov. 5.
10/27/2023 12:11 PM