Speaking For Trails and Mountain Biking
NWTA actively works with land managers and partners to advocate for access to the outdoors through mountain biking and off-road cycling. Our vision is to not only maintain existing access, but to support efforts to bring new off-road cycling trails of all types to our communities. A primary advocacy goal of NWTA is to also make the mountain bike experience welcoming and accessible for all.
We represent a collective mountain biking and off-road cycling community voice in the regional area, and are actively involved in working with local land partners.
Advocacy Alerts
NWTA’s advocacy work also involves keeping YOU — our members, donors, and supporters — appraised of where you can use your voice to speak for trails, bike access, and conservation. There are two areas in particular our staff and advocacy committee monitor, and will subsequently notify members where there is an option to have your voice heard:
- Public input is a huge part of the process for federal, state and local planning processes. In fact, it is often a legal requirement of permitting and planning processes that moves a project from concept to execution. We will notify membership when public lands projects have opportunity for public input to advance trail access and mountain biking opportunities.
- State and federal legislation is often proposed that affects public lands, trails, bike access, or nonprofits. In partnership with other local trail organizations and coalitions, we keep a pulse on these proposals and frequently submit comments in line with our mission, vision, and values as an organization.
Current Issues
POrtlanders: hear from 2026 Portland City Council Candidates
Before you vote this year, find out what Portland City Council candidates think about improving Portland’s local trails and bike access. Only 2.5% of Portland’s singletrack trails are open to Portland cyclists* – a dismal number for a city that prides itself on its cycling identity, access to the outdoors, and ambitious climate goals. Portland’s 12-person City Council is an important voice in improving access to trails, thus promoting healthy and sustainable outdoor activity that can advance community and economic growth. NWTA sent all City Council candidates that are certified for the November 2026 ballot four questions about our mission and vision for Portland. Read their answers HERE.
Yamhill County – bikes are back!
Bob and Crystal Rilee Park on Parrett Mountain near Newberg is one of the best opportunities for safe, natural-surface off-road riding in the northern Willamette Valley — and bicycle access was been arbitrarily removed in 2023.
On June 25th, the Chehalem Park and Recreation District (CPRD) voted to restore bike access to Rilee Park, thanks in part to the work of local advocates and NWTA members!
Advocacy works, and often this work takes place behind the scenes. If you are interested in learning more about our advocacy work, reach out to [email protected].
Our Land Management and Agency Partners
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| United States Forest Service | Bureau of Land Management | Oregon State Parks | Oregon Department of Forestry |
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| Oregon State University College of Forestry | Greenwood Resources | Metro Oregon | Portland Parks and Recreation |
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| Port of Cascade Locks | Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation | Washington County Parks | City of Castle Rock, WA |