Waimakariri Road and Whitchurch Place Speed Limit Changes

Submission from Spokes Canterbury

Reference: https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/waimakariri-whitchurch-speeds

August 2025

Tēnā koutou katoa

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Waimkariri Road and Whitchurch Place 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.

Vehicles are travelling too fast for the conditions on Waimakariri Road, often well above the speed limit. Crossing the road to Whitchurch Place is dangerous due to poor visibility and speed for both cyclists and pedestrians. This crossing is often used by children going to Harwood School..

Spokes Recommends:

• A 40km/h speed limit on the section of Waimakariri Road and Whitchurch Place marked on the map in light green.
• The speed limit on the remainder of Waimakariri Road reduced to 50km/h
• The speed limit outside the school on Harwood Road reduced to 30km/h

In the photo above you can see that vehicles are not able to see cyclists and pedestrians waiting on the east side to cross over to Whitchurch Place. This is not helped by illegally parked cars on the verge. Slower speeds would make this safer.

This car is illegally parked over the pedestrian / cyclist crossing on the yellow lines. You can also see it is very difficult to see vehicles coming around the corner, even when there is no car blocking the view.

Spokes would like a “Watch for Cyclists” at a safe distance after the school sign and this crossing to be improved when the opportunity arises.

I would like the opportunity to talk to the Waimāero Community Board 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