A Bike for Bamilak

Bamilak Robi, 11, tries out his new bike, donated by the Inexperienced Lizard Basis after somebody stole his bike. Dave Meyer, co-owner of “The Lizard” (proper) and legal professional Doug Landau, Abrams Landau Legislation Agency, Ltd., (left) make certain all is nice with the bike and lock, in addition to the helmet Landau donated by way of his Lids on Youngsters initiative.

Photograph by Mercia Hobson.

Herndon-based private damage legal professional Doug Landau of Abrams Landau Legislation Agency just lately met Bamilak Robi, 11, of Reston after he and his household have been concerned in an car crash. Landau can be an avid marathoner, bicycle owner, and sports activities advocate. He takes bike helmet security personally and is the founding father of the native Lids on Youngsters initiative. It’s a college and center-based program designed to forestall mind damage by way of bike security schooling and free helmet giveaways to 1000’s of low-income kids.

Lisa Goldman, a authorized assistant and a part of the Abrams legislation crew, mentioned that when Landau bought to know Bamilak, he gave him a biking helmet. Bamilak promptly replied, “However I haven’t got a motorcycle.”

“Nothing worse than giving a child a motorcycle helmet, they usually haven’t got a motorcycle,” mentioned Goldman.

Landau discovered that Bamilak had preferred driving his bicycle, but it surely had been stolen. Landau mentioned, “I figured we might do one thing to treatment that state of affairs.”

Landau tapped the close by non-profit group, The Inexperienced Lizard Basis. It’s a community-based group of optimistic, civic-minded people who banded along with the homeowners of Inexperienced Lizard Biking. Based on the precept that each younger particular person ought to have the power to steer a wholesome, energetic life-style no matter his or her monetary circumstances, the Basis took the accountability to supply a brand new bike and lock for Bamilak.

“I am glad that the Basis may also help people. That is what the Basis is all about on the finish of the day, to assist the neighborhood. Get any person again out on a bit of train or get them transportation. That is why we need to do these sorts of issues,” mentioned Dave Meyer.

Late within the afternoon on Wednesday, Feb. 3, Bamilak, his mom, Wubitu Tekeltision, and father, Alemayehu Ayno, Dave and Beth Meyer, homeowners of Inexperienced Lizard Biking, Landau, and Goldman, gathered on the entrance porch of the historic home that’s the house of Abrams Landau, Ltd. Legislation Agency. Landau and Dave Meyer excused themselves, and some minutes later, wheeled out a vivid inexperienced Roadmaster Granite Peak Boy’s Mountain Bike. After studying the right way to shift the gears, Goldman requested Bamilak about sporting his helmet. Spontaneously elevating his proper hand, Bamilak mentioned, “I solemnly swear I’ll put on my helmet always whereas driving my bike.”

Landau mentioned that they had some 300 helmets they weren’t capable of give away at faculties and facilities due to COVID security restrictions. “We have been nervous that we weren’t capable of shield anybody, however with the Inexperienced Lizards’ assist, with the Protected Routes to Faculties Program, which has been giving out six, twelve, twenty-four helmets at a time, by driving by… we have managed to provide away fairly a couple of helmets,” he mentioned.

If you recognize of a faculty or a neighborhood group that might profit from the helmet giveaway program, e mail schooling@landaulawshop.com or name 703-796-9555.