FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can I join a local chapter?

A: WRRA does not have 'chapters' like some other groups.  We are a statewide organization, with a very 'flat' organizational structure. 

Q: Why don't you have runs, rides or parties?

A: There are already groups that excel at that.  The founders of WRRA wanted to create a group focused on advocacy.  And what's to stop you from belonging to more than one group?  There are groups organized around brands (HOG, BMWMOA, GWRRA, etc.), groups focused on rides and/or racing (PNW Riders, AMA) and groups with primarily social agendas.  We are the only motorcycle organization in Washington State whose sole purpose is advocacy and lobbying on behalf of the motorcycle community. 

Q: Why don't you meet outside the Puget Sound region?

A: That's a fair question.  It's primarily one of convenience, especially since the state capitol is located here.  There is also the practical matter that during the legislative 'season', which happens to be winter and early spring, travel outside the Puget Sound area is complicated (at least for motorcycles) by those beautiful mountains we so love.  We have discussed having meetings in late spring, or perhaps 'special' get-togethers outside the usual legislative season, in eastern Washington to have a forum to meet our members there (and, of course, to have a good excuse for a motorcycle ride).  [I would invite suggestions on how to make this happen. - Ian]

Q: You don't support my favorite issue.  Why not? 

A: Our agenda is driven by our membership.  Whenever you get a group of folks together, no matter how strong their common interest, there will be details on which they don't agree.  There are choices to be made if we support something you don't like, or don't support something you do like:

• Come to the meetings and convince others of your position.  Meetings are open to everyone, and everyone's opinion is valued.  If you can't be at a meeting because of geography or work commitments, send a statement of your position to the president at president@roadriders.org and it will be read at the meeting and given a fair hearing. 
• Realize that you are in the minority on this issue, and agree to disagree.  Hopefully, the majority of what we do serves you as a motorcyclist, and you will continue to support the parts you do like. 
• Maybe your minority has its own majority.  For instance, on the issue of lane-splitting, a small group of members believed pursuing it was the right thing to do.  They independently worked with legislators to craft an approach that was ultimately received positively by the membership.  Unless your pursuits run contrary to other stated positions of WRRA, we're not going to push you away.  
• Maybe we're not the right group for you.  For instance, although we sympathize with many of the issues faced by offroad enthusiasts, we decided to specialize on street motorcycle issues. 

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Last modified: 03/04/08