The first director for the Des Moines Bicycle Collective wants to get more metro residents rolling along instead of riding in vehicles.

Jeremy Lewis, 35, took the nonprofit organization by the handlebars Nov. 4. The collective, which began in 2007 and is governed by a board of directors, aims to raise awareness about the personal and environmental benefits of cycling. The collective’s numerous volunteers have recycled or refurbished more than 500 bikes so far this year, supported the more than 2,800 B-Cycle bike-share trips, distributed 40,000 trail maps, and organized 729 bike commuters in Central Iowa Bike Month that racked up 47,000 car-free miles.

The Des Moines Register recently caught up with Lewis.

Q. Why did you decide to take this job?

I can’t think of a more exciting job. It’s pretty simple, really. I love biking — to me it means freedom, the outdoors, and being active; I also love connecting with people and helping others. I’m inspired by working to build a better community.

As someone who has lived on both coasts for a decade and traveled internationally, I am inspired by the many ways my native Des Moines continues to reinvent itself. Bicycling already has strong traditions in Iowa. It is in a position to continue to grow here as part of that renaissance, as it has already with the B-cycle program, ongoing trail system development, new community events, and organizations such as the Des Moines Bicycle Collective.

Q. How many other regular employees are there?