HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-24; City Council; 09; Adoption of Ordinance No. CS-509 Amending Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 10.56, Operation of Regulated Mobility Devices, to Regulate E-bikesCA Review CKM
Meeting Date: Feb. 24, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Morgen Fry, Assistant City Clerk
morgen.fry@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2808
Subject: Adoption of Ordinance No. CS-509 Amending Carlsbad Municipal Code
Chapter 10.56, Operation of Regulated Mobility Devices, to Regulate E-
bikes
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Adopt Ordinance No. CS-509 amending Title 10, Chapter 10.56 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code
–Operation of Regulated Mobility Devices.
Executive Summary
The recommended action adopts an ordinance amending Title 10, Chapter 10.56 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code – Operation of Regulated Mobility Devices.
The ordinance, detailed below and provided as Exhibit 1:
•Updates definitions and references to align with state law and new types of mobility
devices
•Clarifies unsafe riding rules and expands authority to restrict device use in specific
locations
•Adopts the countywide e-bike safety pilot program, including an under-12 age
restriction with education-based enforcement
•Gives police a limited, safety-focused impoundment option for e-bikes operated by
minors engaging in high-risk conduct that creates an immediate or substantial threat to
public safety
•Codifies that parents are responsible for knowingly allowing their children to commit
violations
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Explanation & Analysis
Ordinance No. CS-509 was introduced and first read at the City Council meeting held on
Feb. 10, 2026.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel, seconded by Council Member Acosta, the City
Council voted 5-0 to introduce Ordinance No. CS-509 amending Title 10, Chapter 10.56 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code – Operation of Regulated Mobility Devices.
This second reading allows the City Council to adopt the ordinance.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this action.
Next Steps
The Assistant City Clerk will have the ordinance, or a summary of the ordinance, published in a
newspaper of general circulation within 15 days following adoption of the ordinance.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action to amend Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 10.56 is exempt from
environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Guidelines Section
15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the
proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment.
Exhibit
1.Ordinance No. CS-509
2.Correspondence received through Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at noon
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Exhibit 1
ORDINANCE NO. CS-509.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTER 10.56 OF THE CARLSBAD
MUNICIPAL CODE – OPERATION OF REGULATED MOBILITY DEVICES
WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Sections 231, 21100, 21206, and 21207.5 authorize cities to
enact ordinances regulating the parking and operation of electric bicycles, as defined in California
Vehicle Code Sections 231 and 312.5, on pedestrian facilities, bicycle facilities, and equestrian, hiking,
and recreational trails; and
WHEREAS, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of pedestrians, including persons with
disabilities and others using sidewalks, bike paths, pathways, trails, bike lanes, streets, roads, and
highways, California Vehicle Code Section 21282 authorizes cities to enact ordinances regulating the
time, place, and manner of the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices as defined in
California Vehicle Code Section 313; and
WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 21225 authorizes cities to enact ordinances
regulating the registration of motorized scooters and the parking and operation of motorized scooters
on pedestrian facilities, bicycle facilities and city streets and highways, provided that such regulation is
not in conflict with the California Vehicle Code; and
WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 21214.7 authorizes local authorities within the
County of San Diego to enact an ordinance prohibiting persons under 12 years of age from operating a
class 1 or 2 electric bicycle; and
WHEREAS, the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices,
electrically motorized boards, low-speed vehicles, motorized scooters, shared mobility devices, and
any other similar vehicles, including electronic bicycles (defined in this ordinance as “regulated mobility
devices”) has steadily increased in the City of Carlsbad, and the City Council finds that the operation,
parking, and use of such devices present matters of public safety affecting users of regulated mobility
devices, pedestrians, motorists, and other users of public rights-of-way and public spaces; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide clear, enforceable standards related to unsafe
riding behavior, equipment requirements, and the responsibilities of parents and guardians to protect
the public health, safety, and welfare of the community; and
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WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the provisions of this chapter, as amended, are
necessary and appropriate exercises of the City’s police power and represent reasonable measures and
enforcement tools to promote the safe use of regulated mobility devices within the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, ordains as follows that:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That this action to amend Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 10.56 is exempt from
environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Guidelines
Section 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) as it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment.
3. That Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 10.56 is amended to read as follows:
Chapter 10.56
OPERATION OF REGULATED MOBILITY DEVICES
Sections:
10.56.010 Definitions.
10.56.015 Reference to other codes.
10.56.020 Operation of regulated mobility devices.
10.56.030 Persons under 12 years of age – prohibited from operating electric bicycles.
10.56.040 Removal, seizure, and release of electric bicycles operated by minors.
10.56.045 Administrative charges and cost recovery.
10.56.050 Violations and enforcement.
10.56.055 Responsibility of parent.
10.56.060 Exemptions.
10.56.070 Severability.
10.56.010 Definitions.
“Bicycle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 231.
“Bicycle facility” means any public or private improvement, infrastructure, or space designed,
designated, or operated primarily for use by persons riding bicycles or other regulated mobility
devices, whether separated from or shared with other modes of travel, including bicycle paths,
bicycle lanes, bicycle routes, cycle tracks, and protected bikeways.
“Class 1 electric bicycle” or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle” has the same meaning as in
California Vehicle Code Section 312.5(a)(1).
“Class 2 electric bicycle” or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle” has the same meaning as in
California Vehicle Code Section 312.5(a)(2).
“Class 3 electric bicycle” or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle” has the same meaning as in California
Vehicle Code Section 312.5(a)(3).
“Electric bicycle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5.
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“Electric personal assistive mobility device” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section
313.
“Electrically motorized boards” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 313.5.
“Low speed vehicle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 385.5.
“Motorized scooter” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5.
“Operator” means a person who owns, operates, and/or controls a regulated mobility device.
“Pedestrian Facility” means any public or private improvement, infrastructure, or space designed,
designated, or operated primarily for use by pedestrians, including persons using mobility aids
such as wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers, including sidewalks, pedestrian ways, crosswalks.
“Public area” means any outdoor area that is open to members of the public for public use, whether
owned or operated by the city or a private party.
“Regulated mobility device” means a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device,
electrically motorized board, low-speed vehicle, motorized scooter, shared mobility device, and
any other similar vehicle.
“Rider” means a traveler riding in or on a regulated mobility device who is not operating it.
“Shared mobility device” has the same meaning as in California Civil Code Section 2505.
“Vehicle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 670.
10.56.015 Reference to other codes.
Whenever this chapter refers to any statute, regulation, code, standard, or guideline, the reference
shall include all amendments and successor provisions to it, unless a contrary intent is expressly stated.
10.56.020 Operation of regulated mobility devices.
A. Prohibition of Regulated Mobility Devices Where Posted. It is prohibited to operate or ride on any
regulated mobility device in public areas where such prohibition is posted by signs or as otherwise
set forth in this chapter. A list of public locations where regulated mobility devices are prohibited
shall be on file in the City Clerk’s office. The list may be amended from time to time by the City
Manager.
B. No Operating or Riding on Sidewalks and Public Facilities. No person shall operate or ride a
regulated mobility device upon any sidewalk, in any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, channel,
or any other public athletic/sports court, or gymnasium in the city.
C. Duty to Operate with Due Care.
1. The operator of a regulated mobility device shall not, while operating upon or within any
bicycle facility or pedestrian facility:
a. Operate at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions, taking
into account weather, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and the surface and width of the
bicycle or pedestrian facility.
b. Perform acrobatics, tricks or stunts such as wheelies when pedestrians, other regulated
mobility devices or moving vehicles are present.
c. Engage in racing, speed or stunt contests.
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d. Fail to yield to vehicles, other regulated mobility devices or pedestrians when required.
e. Fail to obey posted traffic or other regulatory signs.
f. Carry any package, bundle or item that prevents the operator from maintaining full
control and forward visibility.
g. Ride without a properly fitted and fastened helmet, if under 18 years of age.
h. Ride a Class 3 electric bicycle without a properly fitted and fastened helmet, regardless
of age.
i. Ride on a public street or bike facility against the flow of traffic.
j. Pass another pedestrian, vehicle, or regulated mobility device in an unsafe manner,
including failing to provide a reasonable and prudent lateral distance, passing at an
unsafe speed, or passing in a way that endangers or interferes with the safe movement
of the person or device being overtaken.
k. Transport any other person upon the bar, handle bars, floorboard or other area of a
regulated mobility device not designed for passenger riding or transport any other
person on a regulated mobility device designed for a single rider.
l. Cling to or attach oneself or one’s regulated mobility device with an operator or rider
on board to any moving vehicle or motorized or non-motorized wheeled device.
2. The operator of a regulated mobility device shall exercise due care by taking all other
necessary actions relating to operation of the regulated mobility device to safeguard the
operator, passengers, and any other persons, vehicles, or devices in the immediate area.
3. Persons operating or riding a regulated mobility device on a city trail must dismount the
regulated mobility device where the trail width is less than five feet and a pedestrian or
equine is within a distance of 50 feet from the regulated mobility device.
10.56.030 Persons under 12 years of age – prohibited from operating electric bicycles.
A. No person under 12 years of age may operate or ride a Class 1 electric bicycle or Class 2 electric
bicycle within the city.
B. Enforcement of this section shall be pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 21214.7, as
follows:
1. A violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine of $25;
2. If a citation is issued, a record of the action shall not be transmitted to the court and a fee
shall not be imposed if the parent or legal guardian of the person who violated this section
delivers proof to the police department within 120 days after the citation was issued that the
violator has completed an electric bicycle safety and training program pursuant to California
Streets and Highways Code Section 894; and
3. If an unemancipated minor violates this section, a parent or legal guardian with control or
custody of the minor shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for the amount of the
fine imposed.
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10.56.040 Removal, seizure, and release of electric bicycles operated by minors.
A. In addition to any fines or penalties authorized by this Chapter, a police officer may seize any
electric bicycle operated by a minor when the officer has probable cause to believe that the minor
committed any violation of this Chapter and that the violation created an immediate or substantial
risk to public safety. Violations that create an immediate or substantial risk to public safety may
include:
1. Reckless driving or exhibition of speed creating an immediate hazard to persons or property.
2. Willful disregard for traffic control devices in active traffic, including but not limited to stop
signs, traffic signals, or yield controls.
3. Unsafe group riding that obstructs traffic or creates a foreseeable collision risk, including
conduct that interferes with the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians.
4. Operating in posted areas that prohibit electric bicycle operation when pedestrians are
present.
Seizure shall not be authorized for minor technical equipment violations, lawful conduct that does
not present an objectively articulable safety risk, or mere presence in a group absent unsafe
conduct.
B. Written notice of seizure and instructions for release procedures shall be provided to the minor
and to the parent or legal guardian of the minor.
C. Conditions for release. An electric bicycle seized pursuant to this chapter shall be released after a
minimum of 48 hours, if both of the following conditions are met:
1. The minor operator has completed, in person at the police station, a Police Department
approved electric bicycle safety and training program.
2. The minor’s parent or legal guardian must be present at the time the electric bicycle is
released.
No monetary payment or administrative penalty shall substitute for completion of these
requirements.
10.56.045 Administrative charges and cost recovery.
The city may impose administrative charges not exceeding its actual administrative costs directly
related to the removal, seizure, and storage of a regulated mobility device, as provided for in California
Vehicle Code Section 22651.08. Administrative charges may include, but are not limited to, costs
associated with towing coordination, documentation, processing, and recordkeeping.
10.56.050 Violations and enforcement.
In lieu of a fine or administrative citation as authorized by this code or chapter, and in lieu of filing
charges in any court having jurisdiction over a violation, the Police Chief or designee may allow a
violator of this chapter to complete a police department provided safety course for regulated mobility
devices.
10.56.055 Responsibility of parent.
The parent of any child, and the guardian of any ward, shall not authorize or knowingly permit any
minor child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
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10.56.060 Exemptions.
A.Public Agency Personnel. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, or any other section
of this code, city and public agency personnel may operate regulated mobility devices or other
vehicles at any place in the city in the performance of their official duties.
B.Disability. This chapter is not intended to apply to or otherwise restrict regulated mobility devices
used in a safe manner by physically disabled persons as defined under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.).
10.56.070 Severability.
If any portion of this chapter, or its application to particular persons or circumstances, is held to be
invalid or unconstitutional by a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the decision will not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter or the application of this chapter to persons
or circumstances not similarly situated.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption; and the City
Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance or a summary
of the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a Regular Meeting of the Carlsbad City Council on the 10th
day of February, 2026, and thereafter
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 24th day of February, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
_________________________________
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
_______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
_______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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From:James Panther
To:City Clerk; Faviola Medina
Subject:Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 — 5:00 p.m. (City Council Chamber, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Agenda Item #[__]
(Feb. 24, 2026) — Written Public Comment: Add Under‑16 After‑Dark Adult Supervision Rule for E‑Bikes (w/school, sports, work exemptions) )
Date:Monday, February 16, 2026 5:11:02 PM
Ref: Feb. 24, 2026 City Council — Written Comment on “New e‑bike rules” ordinance: Under‑16After‑Dark Adult Supervision + targeted exemptions
Request for consideration: Adopt Feb. 24 e‑bike ordinance with one essential guardrail: Under‑16after‑dark adult supervision (plus school/sports/work exemptions)
Hello City Clerk Freisinger,
Please accept this email and the attached two‑page Policy Brief as written public comment for the
official record for the Carlsbad City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.,regarding adoption of the e‑bike ordinance introduced on Feb. 10 (“New e‑bike rules”).
Request (process): Please include this comment and the attached brief in the meeting record andprovide it to the Mayor and City Council prior to the start of the meeting. Carlsbad’s meeting
guidance notes emailed comments should be sent to clerk@carlsbadca.gov, and emails received by2:00 p.m. are are requires to be provided to City Council before the meeting.
Decision request (what I’m asking Council to do on Feb. 24)
Carlsbad is scheduled to consider adopting the new e‑bike ordinance at the Feb. 24 meeting.
I respectfully request Council adopt the ordinance and add one focused amendment:
Proposed amendment: Under‑16 after‑dark adult supervision rule (with targeted
exemptions)
1) Core rule (hard line):
No person under 16 may operate an e‑bike in any public place or public right‑of‑way in Carlsbadduring nighttime hours.
2) Nighttime hours (objective definition):
“Nighttime hours” means 30 minutes after official sunset to 30 minutes before official sunrise.
3) Exceptions (protect legitimate youth mobility; prevent loopholes):
The rule does not apply when the minor is:
A. Accompanied by a parent/guardian/responsible adult (18+) who is physically present and activelysupervising; or
B. Traveling directly, without detour or stop, to or from a school, religious, recreational, or civic
function supervised by adults and sponsored by an organization taking responsibility for the minor(this includes registered school programs and organized sports); or
Exhibit 2
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C. Traveling directly, without detour or stop, to or from the minor’s lawful employment oremployment‑related activities (including late shifts); or
D. Traveling directly, without detour or stop, to or from a medical appointment; or
E. Involved in an emergency; or
F. Emancipated; or
G. Engaged in expressive activities protected by the federal or state constitutions (as applicable).
Why this exception set works: It intentionally mirrors Carlsbad’s existing, court‑tested exceptionframework for youth safety at night (adult supervision + direct travel to/from supervised functions,work, medical, emergency, emancipation, expressive activity).
Why this is the “can’t‑ignore” safety gap
1) After dark is objectively higher risk — and Carlsbad’s own data confirms
nighttime crash burden
Carlsbad’s official Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) ranking summary for 2023 reports 41 “Nighttime
(9:00pm–2:59am)” fatal‑and‑injury collisions and 597 DUI arrests in Carlsbad.
This is not abstract. Nighttime crash risk and impaired driving exist here, measurably.
2) Impaired driving is dramatically more common at night — and it endangers
children who are outside the vehicle
NHTSA’s 2023 alcohol‑impaired driving fact sheet reports the rate of alcohol impairment amongdrivers involved in fatal crashes is three times higher at night than during the day (30% vs. 10%).
When a 13–15‑year‑old is on an e‑bike after dark, they are not only managing their own judgmentand visibility — they are exposed to a known spike in impaired drivers. Adult supervision is a
practical, prevention‑first redundancy.
3) Cyclist fatalities disproportionately occur in dark conditions
NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Facts for 2023 reports more pedalcyclist fatalities occurred in the dark(53%) than in daylight (42%) (with the remainder at dawn/dusk).
If Council is prioritizing where a targeted safeguard prevents the most severe outcomes, “after dark”is the correct risk condition to regulate.
4) Under‑16 brains are still developing decision‑making — especially in peer
settings, at speed, and under pressure
NIMH explains the brain finishes developing in the mid‑to‑late 20s and the prefrontal cortex(planning, prioritizing, decision‑making) is one of the last regions to mature.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics notes the prefrontal cortex may not appear fully mature untilabout age 24.
This is precisely why policymakers use “graduated privileges” in higher‑risk contexts: the goal is notto punish youth — it is to prevent predictable harm while skills and judgment develop.
5) The City is already in implementation mode — this amendment fits cleanly into
the rollout you’ve already announced
Carlsbad’s own timeline states:
Feb. 24: Council scheduled to consider adoption
Feb. 25: 30‑day public information campaign could begin
March 26: new laws could take effect, starting with a 60‑day warning period
May 25: warning period ends
This is exactly the time to close the highest‑risk gap while the City is already communicatingnew rules to families.
Anticipated objections — and the policy answer
Objection 1: “This limits teen transportation.”
Answer: That is why the amendment explicitly permits direct travel to/from school programs,organized sports, and employment, plus medical and emergency needs — while restricting only
unstructured nighttime riding without an adult. This is the same balanced structure Carlsbad alreadyuses in its youth nighttime framework.
Objection 2: “We don’t have perfect e‑bike night‑injury data.”
Answer: Waiting for perfect datasets is not a safety strategy. We already have (a) local nighttime
crash burden and DUI enforcement indicators, (b) national evidence of dark‑condition cyclistfatalities, and (c) the known spike in impaired drivers at night.
Adopt the rule as a 12‑month pilot with reporting (warnings/citations, collisions involving minorsafter dark, park calls for service) and revisit with measured results.
Objection 3: “Enforcement will be difficult or inequitable.”
Answer: Use the City’s existing enforcement posture: education first, warnings, and proportionaltools focused on behavior and repeat violations. Carlsbad’s adopted approach already contemplateseducation campaigns, warning periods, and enforcement tools for reckless riding by minors.
Close
This amendment is narrow, objective, and aligned with Carlsbad’s existing policy logic: youthvulnerability at night + parental responsibility + direct travel exceptions for legitimate needs.
It targets the highest‑risk condition (after dark), when impaired driving is demonstrably morecommon and cyclist fatalities cluster in dark conditions.
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Thank you for including this written comment and the attached two‑page brief in the Feb. 24 recordand distributing it to the City Council.
Respectfully,
James Panther
Carlsbad resident — Sweetclover Lane
310-980-8000
Attachment: “Policy Brief — Under‑16 After‑Dark Adult Supervision Rule for E‑Bikes (Feb. 24,2026)”
ATTACHMENT TEXT: 2‑Page Policy Brief (paste
into a PDF/Word doc)
POLICY BRIEF (2 pages)
To: Carlsbad Mayor & City Council
Via: City Clerk Sherry Freisinger (clerk@carlsbadca.gov)
Date: Feb. 24, 2026 (Adoption hearing for “New e‑bike rules” ordinance)
From: James Panther, Carlsbad resident
Subject: Add one targeted guardrail: Under‑16 after‑dark adult supervision for e‑bikes (with
school/sports/work exemptions)
Page 1 — Problem and Evidence
Problem (what gap remains)
Carlsbad is scheduled to consider adopting stricter e‑bike laws on Feb. 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
The ordinance package addresses age 12 minimums, unsafe behavior definitions, parent/guardianresponsibilities, park restrictions, and tools for reckless riding.
A key preventable gap remains: minors operating faster devices after dark without supervision, when
visibility and impaired driving risks spike.
Carlsbad‑specific indicators of nighttime risk and impaired driving
OTS’s official Carlsbad 2023 summary reports:
41 nighttime (9:00pm–2:59am) fatal‑and‑injury collisions
597 DUI arrests
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National evidence: “dark” conditions drive cyclist fatalities
NHTSA 2023 data shows: 53% of pedalcyclist fatalities occurred in the dark vs. 42% in daylight.
National evidence: impaired driving is far more common at night
NHTSA 2023 alcohol‑impaired driving data shows alcohol impairment among drivers in fatalcrashes is three times higher at night than day (30% vs. 10%).
Developmental reality: under‑16 decision‑making is still maturing
NIMH: brain maturation continues into the mid‑to‑late 20s; the prefrontal cortex is among the lastregions to mature and is responsible for planning and decision‑making.
AAP: the prefrontal cortex may not appear fully mature until about age 24.
Policy meaning: after‑dark operation of faster devices by minors should require an adult safety layer— especially given the documented nighttime spike in impaired drivers.
Proposed Ordinance Language and Enforcement
Proposed ordinance language (clean, enforceable)
Section X — Nighttime operation; minors under 16; adult supervision required
A. Definitions
1. “Nighttime hours” = 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.2. “Responsible adult” = 18+ authorized by parent/guardian (use existing definition). 3. “Without detour or stop” = reasonably direct travel between endpoints.
B. Core rule
No person under 16 shall operate an e‑bike in any public place or public right‑of‑way in Carlsbadduring nighttime hours.
C. Exceptions (modeled on Carlsbad’s existing youth nighttime framework)
The rule does not apply when the minor is:
1. Accompanied by a parent/guardian/responsible adult; or 2. Traveling directly to/from a school, religious, recreational, or civic function supervised by
adults and sponsored by an organization taking responsibility for the minor (includes
registered school programs and organized sports); or 3. Traveling directly to/from the minor’s lawful employment or employment‑related activities;
or 4. Traveling directly to/from a medical appointment; or 5. Involved in an emergency; or
6. Emancipated; or
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7. Engaged in protected expressive activities.
Enforcement options (aligned with Carlsbad’s announced rollout)
Carlsbad’s ordinance rollout plan already anticipates an education campaign and warning periodafter adoption.
Recommended enforcement ladder:
1. Education-first during rollout (align with Feb. 25 campaign / March 26 effective date /
warning period). 2. Warnings + parent notification for initial contacts; document exceptions (school/sports/work
direct travel).3. Escalation for repeat violations or reckless behavior (consistent with broader city tools for
unsafe riding). 4. 12‑month pilot + reporting: require staff to return with data on compliance, collisions
involving minors after dark, and enforcement outcomes.
Why Council can confidently adopt this
Narrow: only applies to under‑16, only after dark, with practical exceptions.
Objective: sunset/sunrise definition avoids arbitrary enforcement.
Policy‑consistent: mirrors Carlsbad’s existing youth nighttime exception structure and
parental responsibility logic.
Evidence‑based: addresses concentrated risks (dark‑condition cyclist fatalities; nighttime
spike in impaired driving; local nighttime crash and DUI indicators).
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safe.
Feb. 24, 2026 Item #9 Page 14 of 14
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Adriana Trujillo
From:
Sent:
To:
Pete Penseyres <cyc1ovet11@yahoo.com>
Monday, February 23, 2026 11 :18 PM
City Clerk
All Receive -Agenda Item # j_
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
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Subject: Support for Item 9 on the February 24, 2026 City Council Meeting
Mayor Blackburn and City Council Members,
As a Carlsbad resident and Certified Instructor for the League of American Bicyclists, I have provided
training to children under 16, with a parent or guardian. That education provides the best practices
taught by the League/San Diego County Bicycle Coalition to ride bicycles or electric bicycles legally,
and considerately with other road users and pedestrians.
Carlsbad Police, several of whom are Certified League Instructors, have provided training to children
and parents to allow students to park their bikes or electric bikes on campus. More than 100 students
at each of 4 middle and high schools ride to school, potentially eliminating up to 1600 auto trips per
school day.
I believe that our Carlsbad Police Department will be successful in applying/enforcing the common-
sense, and clearly worded provisions of Chapter 10.56 of the Municipal Code.
I also believe that all of the Municipal Code regulations are ex plicitly permitted by the California Vehicle
Code or are similar to an existing eve section such that they do not violate eve section 21.
eve 21
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this code are applicable and uniform
throughout the state and in all counties and municipalities therein, and a local authority shall not enact or
enforce any ordinance or resolution on the matters covered by this code, including ordinances or
resolutions that establish regulations or procedures for, or assess a fine, penalty, assessment, or fee for a
violation of, matters covered by this code, unless expressly authorized by this code.
(b) To the extent permitted by current state law, this section does not impair the current lawful authority
of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, a joint powers authority, or any member agency
constituted therein as of July 1, 2010, to enforce an ordinance or resolution relating to the management of
public lands within its jurisdiction.
(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 616, Sec. 1. (SB 949) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative July 1, 201 1, by Sec. 6 of Ch. 616.)
Pete Penseyres
League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor #2020
!CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is sa fe.I
1
Adriana Trujillo
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
All Receive -Agenda Item# _j_
For the Information of the:
christina mcgoldrick <christina.mcgoldrick@gmail.com >
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 2:38 PM
CITY COUNCIL
Date~/z..'!i/t<,(,A ~c ~
CM ~CM V1'.5CM (3) _!-:::-
City Clerk; Keith Blackburn; Kevin Shin; Melanie Burkholder; Teresa Acosta; Priya Bhat-
Patel; Council Internet Email; Manager Internet Email
christina mcgoldrick; Tom Frank; Nathan Schmidt
Support for Item 9 on the February 24, 2026 City Council Meeting -Christina
McGoldrick
Dear Mayor Blackburn and City Council Members,
I have been a Carlsbad resident, homeowner and taxpayer for 10 years. All 3 of my
sons attend schools in the Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD). Since 2022, I
have continually advocated for training to be provided to children under 16, with a
parent or guardian. As someone who partnered with CUSD to co-author their
bicycle permit program and successfully completed the League of American
Bicyclists Traffic Skills 101 course with her children, I understand the value they
provide first hand. Whether it be by the Carlsbad Police Department, California
Highway Patrol, or the League/San Diego County Bicycle Coalition,
these instructors have the education curriculum available to teach the best
practices to ride bicycles or electric bicycles legally, and considerately with other
users of the road and pedestrians. They are the gold standard.
Carlsbad Police, several of whom are Certified League Instructors, have provided
training to children and parents to allow students to park their bikes or electric
bikes on campus since 2022. More than 100 students at each of 4 middle and high
school campuses ride to school, potentially eliminating up to 1600 auto trips per
school day.
I believe that our Carlsbad Police Department will be successful in
applying/enforcing the common-sense, and clearly worded provisions of Chapter
10.56 of the Municipal Code.
I also believe that all of the Municipal Code regulations are explicitly permitted by the
California Vehicle Code or are similar to an existing CVC section such that they do not
violate eve section 21.
eve 21
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this code are applicable and
uniform throughout the state and in all counties and municipalities therein, and a local
authority shall not enact or enforce any ordinance or resolution on the matters covered by
this code, including ordinances or resolutions that establish regulations or procedures for,
1
or assess a fine, penalty, assessment, or fee for a violation of, matters covered by this
code, unless expressly authorized by this code.
(b) To the extent permitted by current state law, this section does not impair the current
lawful authority of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, a joint powers
authority, or any member agency constituted therein as of July 1, 2010, to enforce an
ordinance or resolution relating to the management of public lands within its jurisdiction.
(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 616, Sec. 1. (SB 949) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative
July 1, 2011, by Sec. 6ofCh. 616.)
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Christina McGoldrick
Parent of 3 Boys (8th-CHMS, 1 oth-SCHS, 12th-SCHS)
(949) 433-4397 (cell)
christina.mcgoldrick@gmail.com
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content i
safe.
2