Waimakariri Annual Plan 2026 / 2027 

Submission from Spokes Canterbury

Reference: https://letstalk.waimakariri.govt.nz/draft-annual-plan-2026-27

April 2026

Tēnā koutou katoa

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Waimakariri Draft Annual Plan 2026 / 2027.

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.

Overall

Waimakariri has a strategic priority to provide alternative and accessible transport options.  This needs a continuing improvement in cycling and walking infrastructure as Waimakariri grows.  The current fuel crisis is creating financial problems for many as rising costs work their inevitable way through the system. This has led to a growing demand for more affordable and convenient transport solutions, including cycling, walking, and public transport.

The current cycle network has gaps. These include:

• Finishing the separated cycleway from the Passchendaele Memorial Path to the Rangiora town centre, then connecting it to the Rangiora Woodend path.
• The Woodend to Kaiapoi cycleway / shared path. 
• Continuing to build safe cycle connections to schools.
• Providing more Park and Ride facilities for cyclists at key bus stops.

There is a risk that focusing on the big projects of the SH1 Bypass and the Eastern Link overshadows the projects that can provide real value in the next 2-3 years to Waimakariri residents.

Waimakariri should be actively planning for increased housing density along public transport routes rather than continuing to sprawl further outwards. This makes it easier and cheaper to provide services to a growing population while preserving agriculture and biodiversity. 

Rangiora Eastern Link (REL) Update

Spokes supports the planned combined cycleway and walkway alongside the road.

Capital Programme

Spokes fully supports the school safety programme funding. 

There is no project over $50K that supports cycling or shared pedestrian / cycle facilities.  This is a lost opportunity to provide safe infrastructure to support active transport. Spokes would like to see a multi-year plan for funding improvements in this area. Now is the time to ensure that new subdivisions are interconnected, provide good connections to popular destinations, and provide alleyways and green spaces that encourage active transport and conveniently link with public transport.

Operational Programme

Small projects can make a big difference 

• Speed reductions have the most impact on safety and are cheap to implement.  Many areas in Waimakariri are becoming more urban rather than semi-rural.  We suggest 40km/h around schools and other high use areas including High Street between King Street and Ivory Street, Williams Street between the railway line and Charles St, and all of Pegasus and Ravenswood.  
• Pedestrian/cyclist refuges to get across busy streets
• Bike parking is one of the biggest barriers to cycling.  Appropriate staple parking should be provided at popular destinations such as libraries, sports fields, cafes and shops.
• Signage and way-finding helps cyclists to find safe ways to destinations.
• Timely removal of glass and debris from the road and shared paths makes cycling more enjoyable.
• Removing staples in alleyways and putting reflective tape on bollards
• Cut-downs to get between the road and park paths allows cyclists to use safe shared routes.
• Providing good quality wide footpaths is a great start for pedestrians and less confident cyclists.

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.

Ngā mihi nui

Submissions Co-ordinator

Spokes Canterbury

submissions@spokes.org.nz