The ReCyclery, Port Townsend’s nonprofit bicycle-recycling shop, has a new board president and executive director.

David Thielk was named president after having served on the ReCyclery’s board for the past two years. Jim Mantell was hired as the ReCyclery’s executive director.

Thielk came to the ReCyclery after working as a teacher at Port Townsend High School. He  continued his career as an educator by co-founding the Port Townsend Cycle School last year.

“I got involved in the ReCyclery because I still wanted to contribute to the community,” Thielk said. “And I’ve been riding bicycles since I was 5 years old. Cycling has been my primary mode of transport since I was 10. I rarely drive a car. Every two years, I’ll do a long bike tour, and I like working on my own bike.”

Thielk said the ReCyclery board functioned in the absence of an executive director, but he credited Mantell’s presence with giving the board a bit of breathing room.

“We were stable, but we weren’t moving forward,” Thielk said, explaining that having both a president and an executive director allows the board not only to focus on day-to-day management, but also to broaden its vision to include long-term planning and ensuring it lives up to its core values.

“This way, we can all rise up to another level,” said Thielk, who expressed optimism that Mantell’s background in market research could help the ReCyclery’s revenue stream.

Mantell most recently served as co-owner of NetReflector, a Seattle-based market research company.

Like Thielk, Mantell is a lifelong bicyclist, having pursued it “avidly” for more than 50 years, as a commuter and mountain biker.

Mantell and his wife, Chris, have cycled throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Mantell continues to serve as president of the Cyclists of Greater Seattle and described himself as “delighted to give back” to the cycling community, which has been a large part of his life.

One of Mantell’s first goals at the ReCyclery is to develop a set of metrics by which the outcomes of its plans can be evaluated. He was drawn to the organization because of what he sees as its strong mission.

“Bicycling has such a strong role in improving the health of individuals and the quality of life of communities,” Mantell said. “It’s a pursuit we encourage all ages and demographics to take part in, but some segments of the population might not have the resources to do so without something like the ReCyclery.”

Mantell and Thielk said traditional bicycle shops serve their communities in a number of ways. But they added that such shops aren’t always able to serve the needs of all segments of the population, which is where the ReCyclery comes in.

“Our local bike shops are full of great people, and we’re partnered with many of them,” Thielk said. “But we offer customers opportunities like the chance to work on bikes using our tools. Our hope is to cultivate a self-sufficient customer base.”

Mantell sees the ReCyclery as an avenue for people not able to purchase their own bikes or equipment to “earn” them.

“My wife wasn’t a cyclist 20 years ago,” Mantell said. “I doubt she would have become one without someone there to support and guide her along the way.”

Mantell said the ReCyclery teaches cyclists the basics of riding, mechanics and safety.

“Knowing how to ride as part of a group is really important,” Mantell said. “You can learn as an adult, but if we can get young people trained up on these practices early, they can become lifelong skills.”

Thielk cited ReCyclery programs aimed at younger riders, such as those at Blue Heron Middle School, and others for older riders, including bike building, maintenance and repair at the Port Townsend Cycle School.

“We’re looking to create a culture of cycling,” Thielk said. “I have two boys in their 20s, and I worry about how automobiles will contribute to the potential collapse of the carbon cycle within their future. The cycling community is about health and recreation, but it’s also the environment.”

When it comes to the ReCyclery’s future, Thielk said to keep an eye out for a capital project at the Mountain View Commons to expand the cycle school.

In the meantime, both Thielk and Mantell look forward to pedaling into the sunset.

“My father is 90, and he still bikes his way around Palo Alto,” Mantell said. “It remains so rewarding.”