Safer Streets Together

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National traffic safety trends show a dramatic increase in traffic-related deaths, with the first quarter of 2022 showing the highest number of deaths in two decades.

The City of Carlsbad's traffic safety emergency proclamation allowed us to focus increased resources and attention on the three Es of traffic safety, education, engineering and enforcement, using the framework of the Safer Streets Together Plan.

About Safer Streets

The City of Carlsbad declared a local state of emergency on Aug. 23, 2023 in response to a 233% increase in collisions involving bikes and e-bikes between 2019 and August 2022. The action immediately increased attention and resources on a range of solutions including infrastructure improvements, traffic safety measures, enhanced enforcement and a focus on safe driving behavior education.

While the local emergency proclamation expired at 5 p.m. on Sept. 8, traffic safety remains a top priority in Carlsbad with a focus on the three Es of traffic safety – education, engineering and enforcement – using the framework of the Safer Streets Together Plan.

An official report on what’s been accomplished, using a year’s worth of data, will be presented at a City Council meeting in October. Sign up to get notified.

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 motorists.
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.

Past actions

The City of Carlsbad declared a local state of emergency in 2022, citing a 233% increase in collisions involving bikes and e-bikes since 2019. This action increased attention and resources on a range of solutions including infrastructure improvements, traffic safety measures, enhanced enforcement and a focus on safe driving behavior education.

The city redeployed resources from its police, fire, transportation and communications & engagement departments to develop a comprehensive Safer Streets Together Plan that was presented to City Council on Sept. 27, 2022.

The emergency ended on Sept. 8, 2023, but the city's focus on traffic safety continues.

July 11, 2023 | City Council

Received a report on the city's actions to date related to the local traffic safety emergency.
Extended the local traffic safety emergency proclamation for an additional 60 days.

Video recording

May 16, 2023 | City Council

Received a report on the city's actions to date related to the local traffic safety emergency.
Extended the local traffic safety emergency proclamation for an additional 60 days.

Video recording

March 21, 2023 | City Council

Received a report on the city's actions to date related to the local traffic safety emergency.
Adopted a resolution endorsing the Vision Zero goal to achieve zero traffic-related deaths or serious injuries.
Extended the local traffic safety emergency proclamation for an additional 60 days.

Video recording

Jan. 24, 2023 | City Council

Received a report on the city’s action to date related to the local traffic safety emergency.
Received a report on options to fund additional traffic safety efforts recommended by the Traffic & Mobility and Planning commissions.
Approved project plans and specifications for green paint bike lane enhancements.
Extended the local traffic safety emergency proclamation for an additional 60 days.

Video recording

Dec. 6, 2022 | City Council

Received a report on the city’s action to date related to the local traffic safety emergency.
Received feedback provided by the Planning and Traffic & Mobility Commissions on the Safer Streets Together Plan options.
Extended the local traffic safety emergency proclamation for an additional 60 days.

Video recording

Nov. 15, 2022 | City Council

Approved the city’s first Local Roadway Safety Plan, a comprehensive assessment of citywide collision data that identifies, analyzes and prioritizes roadway safety improvements to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
Accepted a $113,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to increase enforcement during fiscal year 2022-23.
Approved plans and authorized staff to advertise for bids for a project that will build sidewalks at three locations in the city.
Adopted an ordinance to reduce the speed limit on portions of Cadencia Street and Gateway Road following successful traffic safety projects on those streets.
Approved a contract for Carlsbad Boulevard pedestrian improvements that will upgrade six crosswalks along the beach with curb extensions and in-pavement lighting and improved bicycle striping, including green paint in car-bike conflict areas.

Video recording

Oct. 27, 2022 | Traffic & Mobility Commission and Planning Commission
Received a presentation on the Safer Streets Together Plan and provided feedback on options.
Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting recording
Planning Commission meeting recording

Oct. 18, 2022 | City Council
Extended the local traffic safety emergency proclamation for an additional 60 days.
Video recording

Oct. 3, 2022 | Traffic & Mobility Commission
Update on complete streets in Carlsbad and actions taken since the Aug. 23, 2022 proclamation of emergency.
Video recording

Sept. 27, 2022 | City Council

Presented an update on the city's response to the local emergency and a list of additional actions for the City Council's consideration.
Approved a project to restripe southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Manzano Drive to Island Way, addressing speeding and creating more space for walkers and cyclists.
Approved bike lane improvements along La Costa Avenue, Jefferson Street and Paseo Del Norte.
Approved bike lane improvements at five locations along south Carlsbad Boulevard.

Safer Streets Together Plan
Video recording

Sept. 6, 2022 | Traffic & Mobility Commission
An update on the proclamation of local emergency.
Video recording

Aug. 30, 2022 | City Council
City Council ratified local emergency proclamation.
Video recording

Aug. 23, 2022
Proclamation of local emergency

Archived News

Safer streets through restriping
Starting Sept. 13, and continuing through next week, sections of Tamarack Avenue between El Camino Real and Highland Drive will be temporarily reduced to one-way traffic.
09/12/2023 6:37 PM
Construction to start on Avenida Encinas
After Labor Day, the City of Carlsbad is starting construction along the southern part of Avenida Encinas. Work will begin at the Carlsbad Boulevard intersection and move north, ending at the Poinsettia coaster station.
09/01/2023
Construction on crosswalks along Carlsbad Blvd
After Labor Day, the City of Carlsbad will begin construction on pedestrian improvements along Carlsbad Boulevard at Cherry and Sycamore avenues. Following the completion of these two crosswalks, crews will move on to Maple, Oak, and Hemlock avenues.
09/01/2023
Slowing speeds to protect each other
The Police Department shared the latest data on traffic collisions in Carlsbad. We are still seeing good progress on reducing injury collisions overall, but the number one cause of those collisions remains unsafe speeds.
08/10/2023 7:29 PM
Upcoming bike safety classes
As Carlsbad students head back to school later this month, the Carlsbad Police Department is continuing its series of bike and e-bike safety classes to help kids safely share the road.
08/02/2023 2:11 PM
Next steps Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack
On Tuesday, the City Council directed staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and design of a roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue with a caveat.
07/21/2023
Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack intersection
The Carlsbad City Council will discuss the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue improvements project on Tuesday, July 18, to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design for a roundabout or traffic signal at the intersection.
07/13/2023 5:33 PM
Hundreds attend bike safety classes
On Monday, nearly 300 students and parents from schools in Carlsbad and other North County cities learned about bike safety from certified instructors with the Carlsbad Police Department.
07/11/2023 12:50 PM
New bike safety classes added
Carlsbad Police Officers, who are certified bike instructors, will cover the basics to help students stay safe on two wheels.
07/05/2023 3:21 PM
Give input: Tyler Street improvements
The City of Carlsbad is seeking community feedback on options to improve safety and connectivity on Tyler Street, between Oak Avenue and Chestnut Avenue.
06/07/2023 3:16 PM
Traffic projects move forward
This week the Traffic & Mobility Commission advanced several traffic safety projects and initiatives related to improving how people get around Carlsbad.
06/07/2023 3:07 PM
Reducing speeding in Carlsbad
On Tuesday, the City Council awarded a new contract to resurface and restripe about 16 miles of main east-west streets in Carlsbad to support safer speeds on our roadways, including:
06/07/2023 2:50 PM
Traffic projects to be discussed
On Monday, June 5, the Traffic & Mobility Commission will meet to discuss several traffic safety projects and initiatives related to improving how people get around Carlsbad in whatever way they want to do that, whether that’s by driving, biking, walking or using public transportation.
06/02/2023 9:43 AM
Carlsbad Boulevard pedestrian improvements
Construction is underway on Carlsbad Boulevard at the pedestrian crossing in front of the Army and Navy Academy (between Mountain View Drive and Cypress Avenue) for an improvement project that will enhance visibility and safety for those crossing the street, as well as for bicyclists.
05/31/2023 9:30 AM
Hands-on bike safety class
The City of Carlsbad, in partnership with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, has scheduled a new City Cycling Class to provide an opportunity for hands-on bike safety training.
05/25/2023 4:09 PM
Traffic safety emergency extended
Earlier this week, the City Council extended the local traffic safety emergency for another 60 days, while we continue to implement programs addressing the “three E’s” of traffic safety - Education, Engineering and Enforcement.
05/19/2023 10:59 AM
Bike Anywhere Day – May 18
The City of Carlsbad is hosting a pit stop next Thursday, May 18 for Bike Anywhere Day, a regionwide event for commuters, students, families or someone new to biking, to get out and enjoy biking for transportation, recreation and leisure.
05/10/2023 5:21 PM
Cambios propuestos para Tyler Street
Cambios propuestos para Tyler Street. Queremos saber su opinión. La ciudad de Carlsbad busca aportes de la comunidad sobre opciones para mejorar la seguridad y la conectividad en Tyler Street, desde Oak Avenue hasta Chestnut Avenue.
05/05/2023 12:00 PM
Give input: Tyler Street improvements
The City of Carlsbad is seeking community feedback on options to improve safety and connectivity on Tyler Street, between Oak Avenue and Chestnut Avenue.
05/04/2023 5:53 PM
Bike to School Day in Carlsbad
As families across the country rode their bikes to school this morning to celebrate National Bike to School Day, the City of Carlsbad, Jefferson Elementary School and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition teamed up to encourage safety locally.
05/02/2023