CARLSBAD, Calif. – The Carlsbad Police Department is encouraging everyone to be alert to keep bicyclists safe. With the arrival of warmer weather, more people are biking for commuting, exercise or recreation, making it essential for all people to look out for one another and save lives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed while riding a bike in 2022, and an estimated 46,195 bicyclists were injured.
“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,”
Lt. Jason Arnotti said. “Whether you are behind the wheel or on two wheels, we all share the responsibility to move safely on our roads.”
To promote bicycle safety, the Carlsbad Police Department will host a bicycle safety and helmet distribution event on May 4, 2025, at the Carlsbad Village Street Faire. The event will cover key safety topics, including behaviors that endanger bicyclists and pedestrians, such as speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield the right of way, and running stop signs or red lights.
The Carlsbad Police Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers:
Drivers
Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
Never drive distracted or impaired.
Bike Riders
Use lights at night.
Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more information
Jason Arnotti, Traffic Division Lieutenant, jason.arnotti@carlsbadca.gov
Police media contact
Denise Ramirez, Public Information Officer, denise.ramirez@carlsbadca.gov
