Passionate urban cyclist at large

Deborah Wai Kapohe will ride through Whanganui on her bicycle, carrying a guitar. PHOTO/ BEVAN CONLEY

The Chronicle is profiling cyclists each week as part of Bike Wise Whanganui's programme of events in February

Passionate urban cyclist Deborah Wai Kapohe is the self-appointed Whanganui District Council bike monitor.

She's been the council's arts facilitator for the last five years, and her retro 7-gear bicycle is her main form of transport. She's also responsible for the council owning two bikes shared for staff use.

"It's quicker than walking, and it saves a bit of money. It was my initiative. I'm very proud of that," she said.

The opera singer learned to ride a bike at age four, and cycled a lot when she lived in Dunedin. Her Whanganui house is in the flattish central city and she uses her bike to get to work, to go to the supermarket and to go out in the evening.

It's as quick as driving, and she doesn't have to worry about parking.

Shopping goes in a removeable basket on the front and on a carrier in the back. A guitar can be carried on her back. She'll even go out at night dressed up, in any weather. A ballgown is too difficult, but a cocktail dress is okay.

"I just dress up and bike, and I don't care if the weather's bad."

Cycling for transport was a conscious decision, made partly because she has to exercise every day and wanted to make it part of her daily life.

"If I don't do that I work out an hour or so every day. I've got weights sitting beside the telly."

Wai Kapohe likes the feeling of cycling, says it relieves stress, and loves the new shared pathway along the river to North Mole.

"It's wonderful. We are so lucky."

The pathway has got more people out on bikes, and she said that could only be good.

"It will create more vibrancy. People will be waving at each other, and stopping and talking."

The singing cyclist takes care when riding in town, and doesn't venture into 100kph zones.

"I never feel unsafe, but I take up the road. I make cars do the work and I'm defensive all the time," she said.

++ Wai Kapohe has reduced her hours as Whanganui's arts facilitator, to give more time to her musical career. But she's still in the role for about 10 hours a week, and is happy to be contacted. She can work remotely when she is overseas.