Submission from Spokes Canterbury
Reference: https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/annualplan
Tēnā koutou katoa
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the CCC Draft Annual Plan 2025/26.
Introduction
Spokes Canterbury (http://www.spokes.org.nz/) is a local cycling advocacy group with approximately 1,200 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.
Proposed average rates increase
Q1. What do you think of our proposed average rates increase of 7.58% across all ratepayers (which is lower than the 8.48% signalled in the Long Term Plan 2024–34) and an average residential rates increase of 7.40%?
Spokes supports the rate increases. We need to continue to invest in services that are needed in our communities, and continue to build for the future. Well targeted capital expenditure that improves the daily lives of residents is critical to creating a vibrant and connected city. The cycling infrastructure is attracting new rate paying residents to our city.
Q2. Do you have any comments about our proposed spending on our transport network, including the staged approach to delivering Papanui ki Waiwhetū Wheels to Wings major cycle route, or the proposal to defer the Lincoln Road (Curletts to Wrights) Public Transport project from 2026/28 to 2029/30?
The latest census has shown that cycling continues to grow in Christchurch, however the growth is uneven ranging from 2-20% cycling to work depending on the suburb. Areas where it is safer to cycle, or have separated cycle infrastructure close by, have seen the greatest growth in use and have the most support for cycling infrastructure as people can see the benefits to their community. There is an increasing number of young families who use cycling as their primary transport. This is contrasted with other areas of the city where there is little infrastructure and few options for active transport.
Spokes strongly supports spending on the MCRs (Major Cycle Routes), local cycle connections, safer speeds and support for cycling (such as cycling education in schools, cycle parking, cycling wayfinding and maps).
1. Wheels to Wings
Carrying forward 9.7 million from 2024/25 to stage the delivery of the Papanui ki Waiwhetū Wheels to Wings major cycle route, focusing initially on linking the Te Ara O-Rakipaoa Nor’West Arc and Puari ki Pū-harakeke-nui Northern Line major cycle routes and making road safety improvements to three parts of Harewood Road (see page 14 for more information).
- Spokes would like to see the Wheels to Wings MCR fully built in the next three years.
- Spokes support the 2025/26 connection between the Nor’West Arc and the Northern Line as it is currently very difficult to get safely across Harwood Road due to the number of vehicles.
- Spokes supports the safety changes at Harwood School for cyclists and pedestrians. There are issues with cars dropping off and picking up children obscuring the view of fast moving traffic.
- Spokes supports the traffic lights at Breens Road as long as it fully includes the cycle infrastructure required for Wheels to Wings.
2. Lincoln Road Public Transport
Moving the Lincoln Road (Curletts to Wrights roads) Public Transport project from 2025–2028 to 2028–2030 while we work on a business case for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi funding (see page 14 for more information).
Spokes supports building bus lanes on Lincoln Road from Curletts to Wrights Road given the rapid growth in housing in the area and the increase in buses from April. Bus lanes also support the needs of confident cyclists. There is also a need for cycle park and ride facilities on this route to complement the bus services, which would reduce congestion.
3. Te Aratai Cycle Connection
Adding an additional $2.5 million in 2025/26 and $1.0 million in 2026/27 to enable us to complete the Te Aratai Cycle Connection project.
Spokes fully supports this project. The volume of traffic makes this road dangerous. Active transport is fully supported by the school and students, with growing numbers of students cycling to school.
Speed Changes
Adding an additional $2.0 million in 2025/26 and $1.5 million in 2026/27 to address the speed limit changes announced by the Government.
This is a retrograde step and a waste of money. The Council should continue to negotiate with the new minister to leave the current changes in place, particularly around schools.
Simeon Street
Adding an additional $751,000 in 2025/26 and $759,000 in 2026/27 to complete the Simeon Street cycle connection project.
Spokes agrees with this change and is very pleased to see NZTA is going ahead with the bridge at Brougham St. It is a heavily used link for cyclists going north/south and provides access to Addington School. The first priority in 2025/26 should be a signalised pedestrian/cycling crossing on Milton Street at Simeon St, followed by safety changes at Coronation St and safety changes at the entrance to Addington School.
Antigua Street
Adding an additional $1.25 million in 2025/26 for Antigua Street Cycle Network (Tuam – Moorhouse) to support the initial design for the project.
Spokes supports this change. 1200-1500 cyclists a day travel down Antigua Street. The numbers continue to grow which will soon require some additional space at intersections for cyclists.
South Express
Adding an additional $1.0 million in 2025/26 and $7.8 million in 2026–2028 for Major Cycleway – South Express Route (Section 1) Hei Hei Road to Jones Road, to complete the route to Templeton.
Spokes supports this change. We would like to see if there are safe options to move the cycleway to avoid conflict with KiwiRail if it can save significant costs.
Heathcote Expressway
· Transferring $1.5 million into 2025/26 and $3.0 million into 2026/27 from the 2028/29 budget for the Major Cycleway – Ōpāwaho River Route (Section 3) Waltham to Ferrymead Bridge, to the Major Cycleway – Heathcote Expressway Route – Scruttons Road KiwiRail Crossing.
Spokes agrees with extending the cycleway through to the Ferrymead Bridge.
Spock does not agree with any further expenditure at Scruttons Road. The current crossing at Scruttons Road is fit for purpose given the amount of traffic. There are other more serious safety concerns for cyclists across the network that should have a higher priority.
Other Issues
Cycleway Expenditure
When reviewing the project lists, in some cases it is difficult to follow which projects have been funded or not. It is clear that the pipeline has been significantly reduced in 2026/27 with a $9M reduction and it looks like only items currently contracted are continuing. We need consistent long term planning of our transport systems. Given that 2026 is an election year it would be strategic to have a programme of works designed, consulted and ready to build if the government priorities should change. Spokes would like to see the same budget in 2026/27 as in 2025/26 with some of the MCRs and key connections pulled forward.
There is a lot of talk about “gold-plated” cycleways which has a negative impact on the social license for cycleways. The cost of the cycleways often includes necessary road improvements and replacement of underground services. It makes sense to do these improvements together in one programme but they should be budgeted for separately unless jointly funded with NZTA.
Spokes would like to see more cycleways designed and implemented in a similar manner to the Rolleston Ave/Park Terrace cycleway. This is an easy way to provide connections between the MCRs and to local neighbourhood destinations. Combined with safer speeds it will work well.
The green paint used on cycleways is expensive. CCC should work with NZTA to find cheaper alternatives that still provide a safe surface.
The new cycleway cleaner is making a difference to the on-going useability of the cycleways.
Spokes would like to see more enforcement of traffic rules funded, including red light running on cycle and pedestrian crossings, illegal parking around schools, and to reduce vehicles parking in cycle lanes.
There is no funding for the next two years for 41650 Minor Road Safety Improvements. There is a delivery package (65924) but no systematic programme to plan the continued improvement of the network.
Cycleway upgrades
In some areas cycling numbers are increasing beyond the design parameters of the cycleway. This is particularly noticeable at some intersections where more space is required to get large numbers of cyclists across in a reasonable time (e.g. Deans Avenue at Matai St East or Antigua St at Moorhouse Ave). Another pinch point is the bridge at the Boatsheds.
Cycle Parking
Spokes would like to see a separate minor works budget for cycle parking. A cycle stand and install is around $2,000 for standard hooped parking that works for most cycles. Spokes suggests allocating $50,000 a year for this purpose for at least the next three years. Many cycle stands in the inner city are now routinely full, others are not fit for purpose (e.g. Fendalton Library), and in many popular places there is no bike parking option at all. Spokes is happy to work with the Council on a priority list for additional cycle parking.
Public Transport
Spokes supports public transport. It is complementary to cycling, used when the weather is poor or as a backup when you get a puncture. PT reduces congestion making it safer to cycle and benefits those who are not able to drive. Both the PT Futures and the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) Programme needs to be properly resourced with the production of timely business cases.
Q4. Do you have any comments about our proposed spending on our parks and reserves?
Spokes would like to see:
- Improved shared path through parks and reserves
- Cycle parking close to amenities
Our parks and reserves provide shared spaces that support well-being, provide recreational opportunities and connections through communities that are used for active transport.
There is a regular maintenance programme for paths in parks. When paths are renewed they should be upgraded with sufficient width to provide a safe cycling and walking route. Hagley Park is a great example of infrastructure built with everyone in mind and as a result the paths that have been widened are now heavily used for active transport and recreation.
Q5. Do you have any other comments about spending on our capital programme in general, for example our facilities?
There are some examples above.
Reducing rates
Q10. Tell us about the services you value the most and would not want reduced.
Spokes members value the cycling infrastructure and work done to increase active transport, public transport and road safety. We would like to see this expenditure increased as it has a high cost benefit. Cycle infrastructure is cheaper to build, uses less space, improves health and well-being, reduces congestion, and improves community cohesion.
Central city shuttle service
Q15. Should we allocate up to $200,000 for a scoping study for a central city shuttle service?
Spokes supports Public Transport, including a central shuttle service that could potentially reduce traffic in the central city.
I would like the opportunity to present to the Council on this submission and I am happy to discuss or clarify any issues that arise.
Submissions Co-ordinator
Spokes Canterbury
submissions@spokes.org.nz
