By appointing state representatives in Virginia and Arizona this spring, the International Mountain Bicycling Association reached an important milestone. For the first time in its 13 year existence, IMBA has designated representatives in all 50 states. By having reps in all 50 states, IMBA can now provide faster and improved assistance to mountain bikers across the country.
State representatives play a crucial role in mountain bike advocacy.
IMBA's advocacy efforts are organized in a tiered system involving IMBA headquarters, state reps, affiliated clubs and individual members. Individual members and clubs deal with most local advocacy issues. For more complex advocacy situations, however, state reps can offer advice and contact key decision makers in government. State reps are also responsible for keeping IMBA headquarters informed of access crisis or needs in their state. All IMBA state representatives work on a volunteer basis.