Safer Streets Together

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Get email updates

We need your help!

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.

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.

Oct. 24, 2023 | City Council

Received a report on the city's actions related to the local traffic safety emergency using a year's worth of data.

Video recording

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

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
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April 3 is National Walking Day and with the beautiful weather, you may notice more people out walking in Carlsbad. Whether you’re walking or driving, it’s essential to pay attention and put away any distractions that could take your eyes off the road and your surroundings including phones, music or
04/01/2024
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
Barrio traffic circle update
The Carlsbad City Council will receive an update on the Barrio traffic circle project and select a traffic calming option for Palm Avenue and Harding Street, and Magnolia Avenue and Madison Street, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 5 p.m.
01/04/2024 6:08 PM
Coastal crosswalks under construction
Safety enhancements are underway on crosswalks along Carlsbad Boulevard, an area that is a hot spot for injury collisions.
01/04/2024 6:00 PM
Six strategies for safe holiday driving
Carlsbad may not get snow, but this week’s forecast calls for flurries of holiday traffic and swells of shoppers.
12/12/2023
Addressing DUIs
With holiday parties ramping up, it’s an important time to plan ahead, so everyone gets home safely.
12/08/2023 12:07 PM
Grant targets illegal alcohol use
The City of Carlsbad Police Department has been awarded a $40,520 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in the community. The grant is one of nearly fifty awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol P
11/29/2023 12:18 PM
Traffic safety tips and excellence award
This holiday season, please give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and remember to keep an eye out for more people on our roads, especially if it’s raining.
11/17/2023 11:34 AM
Bike valet at Carlsbad Village Faire
The City of Carlsbad is hosting bike valet services for the Carlsbad Village Faire on Sunday, Nov. 5.
10/27/2023 12:11 PM
Injury collisions down
City staff provided an update to the City Council Tuesday recapping was accomplished during the 12-month traffic safety emergency that ended Sept. 8 and a preview of what’s still to come.
10/25/2023
Road construction questions answered
Driving around Carlsbad, you’ve likely come across crews repaving and restriping several of our major east-west roadways.
10/13/2023