Public lands are one of the few things that unite nearly every American, regardless of politics, profession, or lifestyle. Whether you’re a hiker, angler, camper, or off-road enthusiast — or like us, a rider who lives for the open road — we all agree on one simple truth: our public lands belong to the public, and they must stay that way.

And yet, despite overwhelming public opposition, some lawmakers continue pushing to sell these lands off to developers, extractive industries, and private investors. Utah’s legislature, in particular, remains at the center of this push — attempting again and again to pass legislation that shifts federally protected lands into state hands, where they can be managed for profit rather than preservation.

Why Riders Should Care

If you ride, you already know: the best roads aren’t always found in cities. They’re winding through forests, stretching across deserts, carving through mountains — the kinds of places only public access makes possible.

At EBS (Esteem Biker Suits), we’ve spent years designing custom leather suits for riders who live for adventure. Our clients aren’t just city commuters — they’re track-day warriors, cross-country explorers, and weekend thrill-seekers who chase the freedom that only open land and endless roads can provide. Public lands are part of the riding experience, and without them, that lifestyle disappears.

Imagine losing access to the routes you’ve always loved — forest trails, mountain overlooks, desert backroads — just because someone decided to sell that land for drilling or development. That’s not just a political loss. For riders like us, that’s a cultural one.

The Hidden Agenda Behind Land Transfers

Let’s be clear: when state lawmakers say they want to “manage public land better,” what they really mean is: sell it off faster. While federal land has its flaws — and yes, there’s room for improvement — the state management model often includes mandates that require lands to generate income, usually through leasing, development, or outright sale.

That means less land for recreation. More fences. More “No Trespassing” signs. More legal red tape for doing what we’ve always done — riding, exploring, and escaping.

Utah’s Trust Land documents even admit it: “Trust Lands are not public lands.” Their goal is to generate revenue for “beneficiaries,” not to protect access for the public.

It’s Not About Affordable Housing — It’s About Control

One of the biggest lies pushed by those wanting to privatize public land is that it’s for “affordable housing”. But housing shortages aren’t caused by a lack of land — they’re caused by wage stagnation, speculative real estate investing, and policies that benefit corporations, not people.

Selling off our shared lands won’t fix housing. It’ll just take away access from people who need it most — working families, travelers, riders, nature lovers, and local communities who rely on the outdoors for mental health, connection, and meaning.

Riders Are United in This Fight

This isn’t just a hiker’s issue or a conservationist’s cause. This is our fight too. Riders have long been part of the public lands community — and whether you ride dirt, dual-sport, or long stretches of open road in a full leather suit, this fight matters.

We’ve always said it at EBS: “Ride. Represent. Rule.” And that means more than just how you look — it’s how you show up. We believe in protecting the places we ride through, because they’re more than destinations. They’re part of the journey.

What You Can Do

1. Stay informed — Follow groups like the Sierra Club, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and motorcycling rights organizations that advocate for open land access.
2. Speak up — Let your representatives know you oppose land sales. Send emails, make calls, and show up at public meetings.
3. Support brands and communities that care about keeping public lands public — including rider-owned businesses like EBS.
4. Ride respectfully — Be a good steward of the land. Pack out trash, follow access rules, and represent the rider community with pride.

The Open Road Is Worth Protecting

Public land isn’t just terrain — it’s freedom. It’s where you test yourself. Where you breathe differently. Where you remember why you fell in love with riding in the first place.

We can’t let that be sold off to the highest bidder. Not now. Not ever.
Because once it’s gone — it’s gone for good.

At EBS, we stand with riders, outdoor lovers, and every American who believes in protecting the land we all share. The open road needs open land. Let’s fight to keep it that way.