Summer Bike Safety Tips/Videos

Summer break is here, and we encourage everyone to do their part to keep each other safe on the road.
 
Summer bike and e-bike safety class
The Carlsbad Police Department is planning a summer bike and e-bike safety class. Stay tuned for the date.

• Students who have already completed the class are not required to retake it for the new school year.
• However, everyone is welcome to attend for a safety refresher.

 
Summer break traffic safety
With school out, you’ll most likely see more people out and about enjoying our beaches and participating in summer activities. Please share these tips with your student:

• Follow the rules of the road, including rules for pedestrians and bicyclists and Carlsbad-specific e-bike rules.
• Ride your bike in the same direction as traffic.
• Make sure your student’s helmet fits properly. Anyone under 18 is legally required to wear a helmet while riding a bike.

 
Green paint, explained
The City of Carlsbad has added green paint to bike lanes in areas where drivers and cyclists are at a higher risk of colliding.
 
Why

• The green paint is to make drivers and bicyclists more aware of each other as they share the road. 
• This increased visibility enhances safety for everyone, helping reduce collisions. 
• The green paint does not change the rules of the road. 

 
Dashed green paint

• The dashed green paint is in areas where bicyclists and drivers are likely to cross paths, such as between a through lane and a right turn lane, or where the drivers and bicyclists share the area at right turns.
• Bicyclists have the right of way.
• Drivers must yield to bicyclists before driving across the dashed paint and must make a right turn from as far right as possible. Doing so helps prevent a collision called the “right hook” when a car makes a right turn in front of a bicyclist.

 

 
Solid green with solid white lines

• Drivers may not cross a solid white line into a bike lane except to enter a driveway.
• Bicyclists always have the right of way.

 
Buffered bike lane

• The buffered lane gives greater distance between bicyclists and drivers.
• Drivers are not allowed to cross into the buffered lane except to enter a driveway.

 

 
Parent/guardian tips
As a parent/guardian, these tips can help you model safe habits for your student and keep your family safe:

• Buckle up. Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears a seatbelt.
• Stay alert. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. (Remember, texting while driving is illegal.)
• Follow traffic laws. This goes for both drivers and bicyclists. Obey all signals and stop signs.
• Slow down. Watch your speed, especially in residential areas, near parks and along the coast.
• Plan ahead. If you’re hosting or attending a summer gathering or BBQ, ensure everyone has a safe ride home. Use designated drivers or ride-sharing services.
• Before you head out, remember to review the City of Carlsbad’s map of major city construction projects that could impact traffic along your route.