Carlsbad, CA
Home MenuTraffic Safety
Get email updates
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.
Safety classes
The Carlsbad Police Department hosts quarterly bike and e-bike safety classes. No classes are scheduled at this time, but you can sign up to get an email when new classes are scheduled.
Additionally, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition hosts a variety of bike safety classes and bike rodeos where participants get hands-on practice. View upcoming events.
E-bike rules
The City of Carlsbad was the first city in the region to pass local laws that make it easier to enforce the safe and considerate use of e-bikes, scooters and other similar ways of getting around town.
- The changes allow police to issue citations, but also allow most first-time violators to avoid penalty if they agree to take a safety course put on by the Police Department.
- Overall, bicyclists and e-bike riders are subject to all the same rules of the road as drivers.
- Riders who don’t follow the rules are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the California Vehicle Code or Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Learn about the changes to the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Download and print a one-page overview.
*E-motorcycles have different requirements than e-bikes. Riders need a license, vehicle registration and insurance, and must follow the same rules on the road as motorcycles.
Help select artist for Barrio public art
Last year, we received input from the community on the vision for the public art that will be featured in the center of a new traffic circle in the Barrio at Pine Avenue and Harding Street, one of the gateways into the Barrio.
11/04/2024 10:29 AM
Flashing yellow arrow traffic light
To support safe walking and driving along Avenida Encinas north of Palomar Airport Road, a new traffic signal was installed near the entrance of the restaurants. It’s planned to turn on Monday, Oct. 28.
10/24/2024 3:19 PM
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
Be safe in the rain
Please take precautions during heavy rain to stay safe, safeguard your property and protect the environment.
03/22/2024
Celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day responsibly: Designate a driver
With the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations fast approaching, the City of Carlsbad Police Department will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate responsibly by designating a sober driver - your lucky charm for a safe and enjoyable celebration.
03/14/2024
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