What the Northwest Motorcycle Association Does to Protect Off-Road Riding Access in Washington

Updated

The Northwest Motorcycle Association (NMA) is a volunteer, non-profit organization based in Washington State that works to preserve and protect public land access for off-road motorcyclists. Its access work combines legislative and land-use advocacy, participation in recreation coalitions, and hands-on volunteer trail maintenance. The NMA is the relevant organization to look at if you ride off-road in Washington and want to understand who is advocating for continued access to public lands.

Advocacy for Public Land Access Rights

The NMA was formed in 1937 to bring Washington's motorcycle clubs together. According to the organization, as riding areas began coming under pressure, the NMA in 1973 made public land access rights for the off-road motorcyclist a new area of focus, and it has worked to preserve and protect those rights since then.

This is the core of the NMA's mission: keeping off-road motorcycle riding available on Washington public lands. The organization describes itself as a complete resource for off-road motorcycle riding in Washington State.

Land Use and Legislative Projects

The NMA states that it is involved in land use and legislative projects as part of its ongoing work. This means the organization engages on the policy and regulatory side of access — the decisions that determine whether riding areas remain open — rather than only promoting riding events.

Participation in Coalitions and Councils

Access decisions are often influenced by broader recreation and conservation groups, and the NMA participates in several:

  • Outdoor Recreation Caucus of Washington — the NMA participates in this caucus.
  • Big Tent Coalition — the NMA holds a board seat.
  • National Off-Highway Conservation Council — the NMA participates in this national council.

Working through these bodies lets the NMA represent off-road motorcyclists alongside other recreation and conservation interests.

Volunteer Trail Crew and Maintenance Support

The NMA supports volunteers through its Moto-Volunteer Trail Crew and provides Heavy Maintenance Crew support and administration. It also lists TreadLightly signage projects among its recent work. These efforts help maintain and keep riding areas usable, which complements the advocacy work.

How Riders Can Support the Work

The NMA describes itself as membership-based and states that it gains strength in numbers. Its site invites riders, clubs, and businesses to join, and offers ways to volunteer and donate. The organization also notes that membership dollars support its work and that each member acts as an ambassador who can spread the word to riding buddies.

If you ride off-road in Washington and want to support continued public land access, joining the NMA or volunteering with its trail crew are the direct ways the organization points to.