CARLSBAD — The Carlsbad Unified School District adopted new policies for bicycles and e-bikes that align with the city’s broader goals for those modes of transportation.
Under the guidelines, elementary school students and students younger than 12 will be prohibited from riding e-bikes or similar electric devices on or near school property, according to a news release.
Middle and high school students in the district may bring e-bikes to campus after completing a district-approved safety training program and obtaining a permit, according to the release.
Electric mopeds, motorcycles and dirt bikes will remain prohibited under the new policy. Students of all ages may ride traditional, human-powered bicycles to district schools, provided they wear helmets and park in designated areas on campus.
Riders must walk their bicycles and e-bikes while on campus and follow city and state laws when riding.
The new policy took effect after the school board adopted it at its Sept. 14 meeting.
“As more students use bikes and e-bikes to get to and from school, it is important that we have clear expectations, consistent education, and appropriate accountability when unsafe riding puts students or community members at risk,” board President Michele Tsutagawa Ward said in the release. “Our goal is simple: every student gets to and from school safely.”
Carlsbad opted into a statewide pilot program in February that included a ban on riders younger than 12 operating e-bikes in the city.
The district worked with the city and the Carlsbad Police Department to develop the policy.
Police Chief Christie Calderwood said in the release that education has been at the forefront of the department’s approach to e-bike riding in that age group.
“By working with Carlsbad Unified School District to reinforce e-bike safety information and education for students and families, we can continue encouraging safe riding habits both in our community and around our schools,” Calderwood said. “We share the same goal of helping young riders understand the rules, make safer choices, and prevent serious collisions.”
Families of district students interested in obtaining e-bike permits should visit the district’s website for more information about the application process.
