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Safer Streets Together Plan

Safer Streets Together

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I care about my community and pledge to do my part to keep Carlsbad's streets safe for everyone.

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We all share the road, whether we drive, bike or walk. Letʼs look out for one another and be the best versions of ourselves on the road. Share the responsibility. Be safe.

Driving

Slow down
Put my phone down
Stop at all stop signs
Use extra care when turning

Biking

Always wear a helmet
Use lights at night
Ride with traffic
Obey all signs/signals

Walking

Try to cross at crosswalks
Remove distractions
Wear bright colors
Carry a flashlight at night

Tips and resources

Bike helmets

Helmets are required for riders under 18. Make sure your helmet fits properly to provide the best protection.
There should be about two finger widths between your eyebrows and the bottom of the helmet, about two finger widths between your chin and the helmet strap, and the strap should form a "Y" shape over your ear.

Video guide

Right turns

One of the most common types of collisions between cars and bicycles is called the "right hook," which is when a car turning right collides with someone riding in the bike lane.
If you're driving, first look for bikes, then move as far to the right as you can before turning. If you see dashes in a bike lane, that usually means it's a good place to move over to the right before turning. If there isn't enough space for you to safely pass a cyclist before moving to the right, slow down and wait behind the cyclist before you turn.
If you're biking, slow down behind turning cars or, if space and traffic allows, pass turning cars on the left.

Video guide

Avoid distractions

We all know the dangers of distracted driving. If you’re having a hard time resisting the urge to check your phone when you’re driving, here are a few tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Before you get in the car, turn on your phone’s “Do not disturb” feature.
If you’re riding with other people in the car, hand your phone to your passenger. They can reply to any time-sensitive texts for you.
Put your phone in the backseat or even your trunk before you get behind the wheel. Out of sight, out of mind.

Remember, drivers under the age of 18 may not use any mobile communications device at all, whether hands-free or hand-held.

Test your knowledge with a distracted driving quiz from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

More resources

Traffic safety videos

The city has a growing library of traffic safety videos that highlight how we can all look out for one another and be the best versions of ourselves on the road.

Making Sure Your Bike Helmet Fits

Got a New E-bike? Check This Out

Right Turns

Sharing the Road

5 Ways You Could Be Breaking the Law on Your E-bike

What Happens if You Break the Rules on Your E-bike

E-bikes and the Law

Know Your E-bike Type

Catching Up on Bike and E-bike Safety

Prepping for a Night Bike Ride

Ask the City: Speed Limits

The "Dutch Reach" 101

Archived News

More street improvements completed on Kelly Drive
The City of Carlsbad recently completed additional street improvements to enhance safety and reduce traffic congestion near Kelly Elementary School.
02/05/2026 9:32 AM
E-bike rules: Next steps
The Carlsbad City Council will consider next steps for enacting several new e-bike safety rules at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
02/05/2026 9:20 AM
Barrio traffic calming construction
More than 40 high visibility crosswalks, four all-way stop signs and a traffic circle will be installed in the Barrio under a plan to reduce speeds in the neighborhood the City Council approved this week.
01/29/2026 4:56 PM
Grand Avenue street improvements
The City of Carlsbad is considering ways to improve parking and traffic safety along Grand Avenue by converting existing parallel parking to diagonal parking and installing new all-way stop -at the intersection of Grand Avenue at Madison Street.
01/26/2026 6:08 PM
New stop sign at State and Laguna
New stop signs will be installed at the intersection of State Street at Laguna Drive next month to help address community concerns about safety. The City Council approved the new stop signs at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
01/16/2026 4:05 PM
More lighting for Barrio sidewalks
Construction is starting soon on a project to install more than 100 new lights next to sidewalks throughout the Barrio.
01/08/2026 3:37 PM
New e-bike safety rules
New e-bike safety measures are coming to Carlsbad soon, including a minimum age of 12 for riding e-bikes and rules to strengthen and clarify Carlsbad’s existing e-bike laws. The city will launch a 30-day public information campaign in the new year to raise awareness of the new laws.
12/03/2025 4:02 PM
Proposed e-bike safety measures
New e-bike safety measures, including adopting a minimum age of 12 for riding e-bikes, will go before the City Council next Tuesday, Dec. 2. The recommendations are coming from staff and the city’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission.
12/01/2025 8:50 AM
Final design for Barrio traffic calming
More than 40 high visibility crosswalks, four all-way stop signs and a traffic circle will be installed in the Barrio under a plan to reduce speeds in the neighborhood the City Council approved this week.
11/20/2025 4:56 PM
E-bike minimum age
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the City Council will consider new e-bike safety measures, including adopting a minimum age of 12 for riding e-bikes in line with Assembly Bill 2234.
11/20/2025 10:27 AM
Gearing up for a safe holiday
With the upcoming holiday and school break, you’ll notice more people walking, biking and driving around Carlsbad. If you’re driving, please give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and avoid distractions. Thanks for your help to keep Carlsbad safe.
11/18/2025 3:16 PM
Construction to start on beach stairs and sidewalk
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.
11/04/2025 12:59 PM
Terramar sidewalk and street improvements
On Oct. 28, the Carlsbad City Council approved a revised street improvements project for the Terramar area along Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road, which will include new sidewalks and street resurfacing.
10/29/2025 6:50 PM
Halloween traffic safety reminders
Halloween is always a busy time in Carlsbad, so please be extra cautious when you’re on our roads. These tips can help everyone have a safe, fun evening.
10/28/2025 10:04 AM
Terramar area options at City Council
On Oct. 28, the Carlsbad City Council will revisit options for improvements around the Terramar area along Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road.
10/23/2025 3:05 PM
Weekend road closures
This weekend, the Bike MS ride is taking place along the coast in Carlsbad. If you’re planning to be in the areas of Carlsbad Boulevard, Cannon Road or Avenida Encinas, please give yourself extra time and drive carefully.
10/16/2025
Age limit for e-bikes
During a special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the City of Carlsbad’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission voted to recommend the City Council adopt a minimum age of 12 for riding e-bikes and consider additional actions.
09/17/2025 4:27 PM
Potential e-bike minimum age
The City of Carlsbad’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission will hold a special meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. to gather community input on whether Carlsbad should prohibit e-bike use by children under age 12.
09/11/2025 10:30 AM
Barrio traffic calming
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.
09/10/2025 3:06 PM
Barrio traffic calming options
The Carlsbad City Council will consider two options for reducing speeds in the Barrio at its next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
08/25/2025