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. 

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.

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