Become a Trail Ambassador
Trail Ambassadors are knowledgeable volunteers who assist trail users to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience while recreating outside. With a little training, anyone with mountain bike experience can become a Trail Ambassador. Mountain bikers who are looking for a way to volunteer while they are out on the trail doing what they love - riding - are invited to join this innovative program.
Ambassadors work directly in cooperation with a local NMBP group. They are an on-trail presence that enhances all trail users' experiences. Unlike members of the National Mountain Bike Patrol, IMBA Trail Ambassadors are not required to hold formal medical training, such as CPR or First Aid and do not have to provide any medical assistance while volunteering.
It's easy to get involved. The first step is to get in contact with your local NMBP group. Ambassadors are asked to work directly with their local bike patrol to have access to the same training resources and to ensure the NMBP group works as a unified presence on the trail. Also, in the event of an emergency, the Trail Ambassadors will be able to get in direct contact with NMBP members, as well as local land management.
The Trail Ambassador program is a great opportunity for clubs, patrols and volunteers alike. It offers another way for mountain bikers to play an active role in the stewardship of their land and it will help involve a broader spectrum of the riding community in club and patrol activities.
There are three mandatory requirements for membership as an ambassador:
1. Affiliation with your local NMBP group.
2. Successful completion of any of the following courses:
- A mountain bike patrol training course (taught by a local NMBP-affiliated group).
- A volunteer host training program (taught by local land manager).
3. A passing grade on the NMBP Ambassador online certification exam.
Get started!
- Find your local NMBP group
- Take the test
- Sign up or renew online!
- Download the Trail Ambassador handbook
- Visit the Resources section to learn more
NMBP Benefits
Trail Ambassadors receive a membership kit and are entitled to all IMBA benefits plus the additional ability to purchase ambassador gear, including IMBA's exclusive, blue ambassador jersey. Learn more here.
Ambassador FAQ
Why do I have to join to be a trail ambassador?
As a volunteer, you have the power to influence your local land managers and landowners. By taking the step to join an internationally recognized organization, committing to be an ambassador and affiliating with your local volunteer group, you are telling local decision makers that you, and mountain bikers as a whole, are serious about contributing to their local community. The uniform training standards ensure that all trail ambassadors are capable and able, which means a lot to land managers.
How often do I volunteer as an ambassador?
There are no specific requirements for how often ambassadors should volunteer. We leave that up to your local land manager and NMBP group to determine what will be best. However, no matter how much you volunteer, be sure to keep track of your time to report back to your land managers at year-end.
Can I become a patroller if I’m an ambassador?
Of course! We encourage ambassadors to learn more about patrolling and to step up to that level, if it is right for them. All you need to do is get your CPR/First Aid certification, submit it to the NMBP, take the patroller online certification exam, meet all of your local NMBP group’s requirements and change your membership level. We even have a special pricing for ambassadors, who upgrade to be patrollers, which includes an NMBP jersey.
I’m currently a patroller; can I change my membership to be an ambassador?
Sure — whatever works best for you. Just be aware that as an ambassador, your role will be different, and you will be expected to communicate this with your local NMBP group. Also, if you had a patrol jersey, you’ll be expected not to wear it as an ambassador, to avoid any confusion for trail users and land management employees.
What role do ambassadors play within their local NMBP group?
Ambassadors are part of the local NMBP group. They will need to go through a basic orientation with their local NMBP group and/or land manager to be appropriately trained to volunteer on their trails. They will be expected to communicate directly with the NMBP group to help set up a volunteering schedule, alert them of emergencies, plan events and coordinate with land management.
How do ambassadors get involved with their local IMBA club?
Ambassadors are encouraged to get involved with their local IMBA club in any way possible. Whether it be through trailwork, community events, social ride planning or help with the website, anything will be appreciated. Above all, it’s important for the NMBP group to communicate with their IMBA club to avoid confusion or duplicated efforts. Not only that, but when the time comes to brag about your achievements, count up all of those volunteer hours — trailwork, patrolling, ambassador volunteering — they’ll add up pretty quickly!
