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.
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.
More safety projects approved
On Tuesday, the City Council approved additional projects that will improve traffic safety throughout Carlsbad and support the city’s ongoing efforts to balance the needs of bicyclists, walkers and drivers.
11/15/2022 5:21 PM
Traffic emergency extended
At its Oct. 18 meeting, the Carlsbad City Council voted to extend the local traffic safety emergency proclamation for an additional 60 days.
10/21/2022 12:56 PM
Traffic safety projects reviewed
On Tuesday, our city’s Transportation Director gave an update to the City Council on the city’s efforts to ease traffic congestion and generally make it more convenient for people to get around Carlsbad in whatever way they want to do that. In a nutshell, that’s what we mean by “mobility.”
09/08/2022 12:47 PM
Council ratifies local traffic safety emergency
The Carlsbad City Council voted to allocate $2 million in funding for immediate traffic safety efforts and ratified last week’s proclamation of local emergency, following an over 200% increase in collisions involving bikes and e-bikes since 2019.
08/30/2022
Local emergency declared
Citing a 233% increase in collisions involving bikes and e-bikes since 2019, the City of Carlsbad today declared a local state of emergency. This action will immediately increase attention and resources on a range of solutions including infrastructure, safety, enforcement and a focus on safe driving
08/23/2022 9:44 AM
Coastal road options presented
The City of Carlsbad is seeking input on three roadway designs that protect public infrastructure from future sea level rise while prioritizing walking and biking paths along a 1-mile stretch of south Carlsbad Boulevard from Manzano Drive to Island Way.
06/29/2022 11:18 AM