Bike crashes on La Costa Ave, Carlsbad

We don't rate streets as safe or unsafe: crash counts can't say how risky a street is, and busy streets have more crashes partly because more people use them. This page covers traffic crashes, not crime. What the records show: 18 bike crashes were reported on La Costa Ave in Carlsbad from 2021–2025, 4 of them serious or fatal. The most were at La Costa Ave & Via Montebello (6). 39% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 17% were sideswipes (close passes, right hooks, car doors).

• 39% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across).
• 17% were sideswipes (close passes, right hooks, car doors).
• 17% were riders hit from behind.
• 28% happened after dark.

1. La Costa Ave & Via Montebello

   6 crashes · 1 serious or fatal

   Side-impact crashes at the junction

   3 of 6 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. 50% happened after dark. Traffic is posted at about 40 mph.

   • Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
   • Use a front and rear light, even on lit streets.
   • Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
   See it on the map

2. La Costa Ave & Saxony Rd

   3 crashes · 2 serious or fatal

   Riders hit from behind

   2 of 3 crashes were rear-end: hit from behind. Traffic is posted at about 55 mph.

   • Run a bright rear light day and night, and ride where drivers see you early rather than tucked into the gutter. A mirror or rear radar helps.
   • Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
   See it on the map

3. La Costa Ave & El Camino Real

   3 crashes

   Side-impact crashes at the junction

   2 of 3 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal. Traffic is posted at about 55 mph.

   • Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
   • Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
   See it on the map

Spots with 3 or more reported crashes within about 250 m, worst first.

The busiest hour was 9 a.m..

Where on La Costa Ave do the most bike crashes happen?

La Costa Ave & Via Montebello, with 6 reported bike crashes from 2021–2025, 1 of them serious or fatal. Next are La Costa Ave & Saxony Rd (3) and La Costa Ave & El Camino Real (3).

How do cyclists usually get hit on La Costa Ave?

39% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 17% were sideswipes (close passes, right hooks, car doors). 17% were riders hit from behind. 28% happened after dark.

How many bike crashes happen on La Costa Ave each year?

Reported bike crashes on La Costa Ave in Carlsbad: 2021: 3, 2022: 4, 2023: 3, 2024: 4, 2025: 4. The latest year can rise as late reports come in.

Where does this data come from?

Police crash reports in the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), published by the state on data.ca.gov, counted by the street each report names first. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, so the real totals are higher.