As the new school year begins, if your child will be riding a bicycle to school, please spend some time reviewing these rules with them to ensure they will arrive safely.

Bicyclists and e-bike riders are subject to all the same rules of the road as motorists. Riders who don’t follow the rules are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the Vehicle or Municipal Code.

Make sure to follow these guidelines:

• Riders 17 years and under must wear a helmet.
• Traffic lights, signs and signals apply to all road users, including e-bike riders.
• Cyclists must ride to the right edge of the road. You can leave the bike lane to turn left, pass someone, avoid a road hazard or avoid cars turning right.
• Sidewalks and cross walks are meant for pedestrians. Dismount and walk your e-bike in these areas. You must stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.
• Do not attach a bicycle, e-bike or similar motorized device to any moving vehicle or motorized or non-motorized wheeled device with an operator or rider on board.
• Be aware of other road users and try to match the average speed. This means riding slowly in areas with pedestrians.
• Must stop at red lights.
• Must stop before right turn at red lights.
• Must stop at stop signs.
• Weaving in and out of traffic is prohibited.
• Riding against the flow of traffic is prohibited.
• Proper reflective equipment must be used (during night operation).
• When a bicycle lane is available, bicyclists are required to use the bike lane.
• It is illegal to carry passengers on your e-bike unless your bike has an extra permanent seat or when using a child safety seat.

Please work with your children to help them understand the rules of the road and why they are important.  Take bike rides with your child to make sure they understand and take a test ride to school. Check out San Diego County Bicycle Coalition – Life by Bike (sdbikecoalition.org) for bike riding classes.

For more information about riding a bicycle in Carlsbad, look here Electric Bikes | Carlsbad, CA (carlsbadca.gov)