New Record for the Lids on Kids Brain Injury Prevention & Bike Safety Program!

In what was a record for the ABRAMS LANDAU team, they were able to help distribute to Fairfax County schoolchildren 100 Helmets, Bikes, Lights, Bags & Safety Books in 100 Minutes!!! At Dogwood Elementary School on Glade Drive in Reston, Virginia students and their families assembled for the Dogwood Elementary Bike Swap & Rodeo on Saturday, April 13, 2024. There were lots of smiles and it was a sunny day for everyone who participated. Students brought parents, siblings, and other relatives, such that the entire playground and athletic fields were covered with laughing, active children. The INOVA Hospital System provided helpers for helmet distribution, set up a bike safety tent, and arts and crafts. Dogwood Art teachers assisted children with the bike-themed projects. Mechanical assistance was provided by the wonderful wrenchers at the Bike Lane with their mobile bike-repair van. In addition, there was a food truck from the Columbian Station. The FCPD Reston Precinct brought members of the bike patrol along with McGruff (the Crime Dog) to help with the Rodeo. Fairfax County police from the local Reston substation arrived with tricked-out electric bikes competing on the blacktop and the obstacle course on the fields. The Physical Education teachers of Dogwood took the lead in the Bike Rodeo. FCPS “Safe Routes to School” Specialist Andrew Sheldon provided some bicycles, brought bicycle-themed craft supplies, and also helped children get their properly fit bikes. As an Abrams Landau Ltd. sponsored event, Melissa and Doug Landau made sure to include lots of free goodies for the children. The Landau’s fit each child with a brand new bicycle helmet, distributed safety coloring books and instructed families on the importance of proper head protection.

Kate Beckner, the friendly Dogwood Elementary School Principal, wrote after the event; “I want to take a second to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Dogwood is a special place with great kids and families who don’t have the same opportunities or access as others. When we provide the opportunities, our students can soar. Having people like you provide access to an outlet, like bike riding can really improve the quality of life of our students. I saw so many beautiful moments and celebrations that made so many smiles. Thank you for giving of your time and your talents for the most amazing kids. We appreciate you all!”

Safe Routes to Schools Specialist Andrew Sheldon wrote, “Thank you to all the Dogwood Staff and to all the partners that made this event a huge success!!”

Linda M. Watkins, Injury Prevention/Outreach Coordinator, INOVA Trauma Services, noted, “It was an amazing event and we enjoyed being a part of it. Thanks for the invitation and we look forward to working with you all again in the future!”

 

Andy Sigle, Fairfax County Public Schools – Family/Community Liaison for Dogwood Elementary School and South Lakes High School, wrote;  “Bike Rodeo Volunteer Crew – I wanted to get a note out right away after the event to thank you ALL for your efforts today – You all are AMAZING! We distributed 109 bikes at the event, along with that many helmets!  Incredible!  (We have about a dozen students who attended that did not get bikes today – We will be working to get them bikes and helmets over the next weeks.) So many smiles on Dogwood student faces as they rode their new bikes, some learning to ride TODAY!!!

The Virginia Trial Lawyers Foundation (VTLF) Lawyer Landau underwrites the “Lids on Kids” program, and sends congratulations on another successful safety event, noting; “it is great to see helmets on heads! It looks and sounds like it was an incredible event – so important to promote and provide education on bike safety in our communities.”