The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2026-07-16; Update on the Police Department's E-Bike Enforcement (Districts -All); Calderwood, ChristieTo the members of the: ~ p,;v ~OUNCIL Date~CA.JL._CC V CM L ACM LocM (3) ✓ July 16, 2026 To: From: Council Memorandum {city of Carlsbad Memo ID# 2026034 Via: Re: Honorable Mayor Blackburn and Members of the City Council Christie Calderwood, Chief o~~~e Geoff Patnoe, City Manager ~, Update on the Police Depar m~s E-Bike Enforcement (Districts -All} This memorandum provides an update on the Police Department1s education, outreach, and enforcement efforts following the adoption of the city's e-bike ordinances. Discussion The City Council adopted amendments to the city's e-bike ordinances on February 24, 2026. The ordinances became effective on March 26, 2026. Between March and May of 2026, the Police Department took part in a 60-day education period. Full enforcement, including impound authority, began on May 26, 2026. Before enforcement began, the Police Department and the city's Communications Team focused on ed ucating the community about the new ordinances and the reasons they were adopted. Between February and July 2026, the Police Department, in conjunction with the city's Communications Team, completed 28 public outreach efforts, including: • 7 social media posts • 6 City Newsroom articles • 15 television, newspaper, and on line media stories • Several media interviews discussing the new ordinances, unsafe riding trends, and the department's efforts to improve safety The Traffic Division also hosted an E-Bike Safety Rodeo that included classroom instruction and a riding course covering the rules of the road and safe riding practices at the Safety Training Center on May 9, 2026. Bicycle headlights and taillights were distributed to encourage safer riding after dark. Helmet fittings were provided by Scripps Health. Prior to the conclusion of the education period, the Traffic Division provided department-wide training to Patrol Officers covering the new municipal ordinances, enforcement procedures, impound authority, and the juvenile release process. This training ensured Patrol Officers had consistent guidance before full enforcement began. Police Department Administration 2560 Orion Way I Carlsbad, CA 92010 I 442-339-2100 t Council Memo -Update on the Police Department's E-Bike Enforcement (Districts -All) July 16, 2026 Page 2 To improve community reporting, on June 17, 2026, the Police Department launched an online QR code reporting portal that allows residents to report unsafe riding and submit photographs. Since its launch, approximately 12 reports have been received. These submissions have been helpful in identifying locations experiencing ongoing reckless riding and have also provided investigative leads that assist in identifying repeat offenders as additional reports are received. Following the conclusion of the education period, Officers conducted proactive enforcement throughout the city while educating riders and parents during enforcement contacts. Enforcement Activity (May 25 -July 6, 2026) Activity Total E-Bike Impounds 27 E-Motorcycle Impounds 13 Total Impounds 40 Citations Issued 20 Written Warnings Issued 53 Education Contacts 93 Parent Contacts (Warnings/ Citations) 9 These enforcement contacts reflect the department's continued emphasis on education while taking enforcement action when appropriate to improve rider safety and encourage voluntary compliance. The impound process is designed to reinforce education rather than punishment. Qualifying e-bikes are held for a minimum of 48 hours. Before an e-bike is released, the juvenile must report to the Carlsbad Police Department with a parent or legal guardian to complete an online e-bike safety class and pass the accompanying on line safety test. Conducting public education and issuing media releases before and during an e-bike enforcement campaign is important because it increases voluntary compliance, improves public trust, and supports the overall effectiveness of the enforcement effort. Rather than relying solely on citations or enforcement actions, agencies can encourage riders to understand and follow the law before violations occur. Key reasons for a large emphasis on education include: • Educating the public on the law. Many riders, parents, and retailers are unfamiliar with the differences between e-bike classes, age requirements, helmet laws, speed limits, and where e-bikes may legally operate. Pre-enforcement education helps clarify these rules. • Promoting voluntary compliance. When people know what is expected, they are more likely to comply without the need for citations. This can reduce unsafe riding behaviors before enforcement begins. Council Memo -Update on the Police Department's E-Bike Enforcement (Districts -All) July 16, 2026 Page 3 • Enhancing public safety. The primary goal of traffic enforcement is preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Informing the public beforehand encourages safer behaviors, such as obeying traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and wearing helmets where required. • Building community trust and legitimacy. Announcing the enforcement campaign demonstrates transparency. Community members are more likely to view enforcement as a safety initiative when they understand the purpose and have received advance notice. • Providing opportunities for outreach. Media releases and educational campaigns allow agencies to engage schools, parents, community organizations, bike shops, and local governments. These partners can help reinforce safety messages and reach populations that may not otherwise receive the information. The department has partnered with bike shops, such as Pedego, for education. • Supporting fair and consistent enforcement. Providing advance notice helps ensure that riders have a reasonable opportunity to learn the law before being subject to enforcement. This can reduce claims that enforcement was unexpected or unfair. • Improving officer interactions. Riders who have seen educational materials are often more receptive during traffic stops because they understand the reason for the enforcement effort. This can lead to more positive encounters between Officers and the community. • Strengthening program effectiveness. Agencies often measure the success of traffic safety campaigns by changes in behavior, reductions in collisions, and increased awareness-not simply by the number of citations issued. Education paired with enforcement is generally more effective than enforcement alone. Community Education and Outreach Summary (February 2026 -July 2026): Outreach Activity Total Social Media Posts 7 City Newsroom/ Press Releases 6 Media Stories/ Interviews 15 Total Outreach Efforts 28 Social Media • March 26 -Stronger E-Bike Safety Laws Take Effect • April 9 -E-Bike Education Underway • April 21 & May 1-Bike Rodeo Promotion • May 4 -New E-Bike Rules • May 13 -National Bicycle Safety Month • May 24 -Enforcement Begins May 25 • June 17 -E-Bike Reporting Portal Council Memo -Update on the Police Department's E-Bike Enforcement (Districts -All) July 16, 2026 Page 4 City Newsroom / Press Releases • February 2 -New E-Bike Rules • March 26 -New E-Bike Laws Take Effect • April 30 -Bike Safety Month Reminder • May 5 -National Bicycle Safety Month • May 22 -Warning Period Ends • June 17 -Launch of E-Bike Reporting Portal Media Coverage • FOX 5/KUSI • CBS 8 • NBC 7 • San Diego Union-Tribune • The Coast News • AOL Next Steps Although the Traffic Division coordinates the E-bike Program, its success has relied on a department-wide effort. Patrol and Traffic Officers continue to play an important role by educating riders, contacting parents, and enforcing the new ordinances during routine patrol operations. The newly formed Community-Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving Team is also taking part in the enforcement effort as of July 1, 2026, when their team officially launched. The Police Department will continue to evaluate enforcement trends and community feedback to guide future education and enforcement efforts. cc: Sheila Cobian, Assistant City Manager Cindie McMahon, City Attorney Ryan Opeka, Assistant Chief of Police