Cashmere / Sutherlands / Hoon Hay Valley Road Speed Limit Changes

Submission from Spokes Canterbury

Reference: https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/cashmere-sutherlands-hoon-hay-valley-road-speed-limit-changes

August 2025

Tēnā koutou katoa

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Cashmere / Sutherlands / Hon Hay Valley Road Speed Limit Changes.

Introduction

Spokes Canterbury (http://www.spokes.org.nz/) is a local cycling advocacy group with approximately 1,300 followers. Spokes is affiliated with the national Cycling Action Network (CAN – https://can.org.nz/). Spokes is dedicated to including cycling as an everyday form of transport in the greater Christchurch and Canterbury areas. Spokes has a long history of advocacy in this space including writing submissions, presenting to councils, and working collaboratively with others in the active transport space. We focus on the need for safe cycling for those aged 8 to 80. Spokes also supports all forms of active transport, public transport, and has an interest in environmental matters.

Proposal

Spokes supports speed reduction proposed in this area.

Spokes Supports:

• A 40km/h speed limit on the on Sutherlands Road
• A 40km/h speed limit on Cashmere Road (from near Halswell Quarry to near Saddle Vale Rise)
• A 50km/h speed limit on Hoon Hay Valley Road
• A 50km/h speed limit on Cashmere Road (from Sutherlands Road to Happy Home Road)

There is no footpath in some areas along Cashmere Road, which makes active transport less safe for pedestrians or cyclists. We would like to see Happy Home Road also reduced to 40km/h at the same time.

The Love-to-Ride data from February 2025 shows that cyclists feel unsafe on Sutherlands Road in particular, so it is pleasing to see the proposed reduction in speed here.

I would like the opportunity to talk to the Council or staff about this submission and I am happy to discuss or clarify any issues that arise.

Ngā mihi nui,

Submissions Co-ordinator

Spokes Canterbury

submissions@spokes.org.nz