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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

Get a yard sign

“Slow Down Carlsbad” yard signs, tip cards and window clings are available to pick up at all three library locations, City Hall and the Faraday administration center.

Libraries

Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011

Georgina Cole Library
1250 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Library Learning Center
3368 Eureka Place
Carlsbad, CA 92008

City offices

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

City Hall
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Faraday Administration Center
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008

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

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