Submission from Spokes Canterbury
Reference: Draft Annual Plan 2025/26 | Let’s Talk Waimakariri
Tēnā koutou katoa
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Waimakariri Draft Annual Plan 2025/2026
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.
Waimakariri is a high growth area that is increasingly urban in nature. There is a growing interest in and need for safe cycling infrastructure in Waimakariri, and would contribute to both the following Waimakariri strategic priorities.
Advance an integrated and accessible transport network
Improve transportation options across the district by working to reduce congestion, providing alternative transport options, and ensuring the choices cater to a range of accessibility needs.
Enhance community wellbeing, safety, inclusivity and connectedness
Waimakariri District is a high growth area with an increasingly diverse population. We want to build a wellbeing centred community where all feel safe and welcome; are accepted and connected.
The number of cyclists on the existing cycleways are steadily growing, and it is clear that e-bikes are making cycling accessible to a much wider range of people.
The maps below show the Love to Ride data from February 2025. The map shows how safe and comfortable people feel when riding their bikes on the streets in Waimakariri. The red lines indicate serious concerns with safety, and the orange where many cyclists felt uncomfortable riding on this road. The light and dark green are good areas to cycle, but they need to be joined up to popular destinations.
Transport Funding
Spokes understands the reduction in the level of co-funding with NZTA has had a serious impact on the Waimakariri District Council’s ability to build and maintain local roads and transport assets, however Waimakariri is in a strong financial position, allowing some leeway to be more ambitious providing infrastructure to support safe active transport, including cycling.
Spokes supports:
The priority given to safety around schools ($100k). This should include providing safe active transport options for students, reducing speeds and moving parking/drop-off options further away from school entrances.
- The Woodend to Ravenswood Walking and Cycling Connection should go ahead with construction in the 2025/26 financial year rather than be delayed to 2026/27.
- Any intersections receiving safety upgrades should include best practice cycle treatments, including at the Fernside Road /Todds Road intersection.
- The Ravenswood Park and Ride, which should include cycle and ride options. Public transport reduces congestion and makes roads safer for all users.
- Progress on building the Woodend to Kaiapoi cycleway.
- It is unclear if the funding is there to continue building the cycle connection from High Street to Southbrook Road, which is a high priority.
- Funding for the business case for a cycle connection from Woodend to Williams Street down the new motorway bypass so it is ready in case of any change to current government policy and funding priorities for active transport.
- Providing some funding to address priority red and orange cycle infrastructure concerns from the Love to Ride maps above, particularly those around schools and other important community destinations.
I would like the opportunity to present to the Waimakariri District Council at the hearing on the Annual Plan and I am happy to discuss or clarify any issues that arise.
Ngā mihi nui,
Submissions Co-ordinator
Spokes Canterbury
submissions@spokes.org.nz
