Several years ago a news article in Governing magazine and The New York Times highlighted a disturbing public safety crisis involving pedestrian and bicycle accidents. As more and more Hispanic and Latino immigrants move to the suburbs and lack the ability to access transportation, a disproportionate number have been involved in car-pedestrian and bike accidents.

That is why for the past several years, Legislator Dave Mejias has launched a drive to collect donations of bike helmets to be dispersed to various community-based organizations to educate and assist new immigrants.

"While most of us have the luxury of walking the short and safe distance out our front door and into a nice warm car to begin our commute to work, imagine the long, difficult journey many people must take to their jobs, riding bicycles along busy, dangerous roads," said Mejias.

On Wednesday, March 8, Legislator Mejias was joined by representatives from La Casa Communal, Nassau County's Coordinated Agency for Spanish Americans, the Central American Refugee Center and advocate Reverend Allan Ramirez, to distribute safety equipment to Hispanics and Latinos workers.

Legislator Mejias distributed the helmets while visiting Adventure Cycle & Sports in Farmingdale, where business owner Tom Flanagan generously donated several items to the cause. Other bicycle shops donating helmets included: Brands Cycle and Fitness Center in Wantagh; Bike Works in Greenvale and North Shore Cyclery and Fitness in Great Neck.

"I would like to thank these local business winners for stepping up to the plate for us by generously donating these helmets, that may save someone's life," said Legislator Mejias.

The first bicycle helmet drive in 2004 was a resounding success, and Legislator Mejias and his staff collected more than 60 helmets and reflective vests, which were then distributed to those who are in need of the safety equipment.

According to census data, about 10 percent of Long Islanders are Hispanic, although demographers say they now make up closer to 15 percent of the population. But in 2002, Hispanics made up 43 percent of Nassau County's 35 pedestrian deaths and 35 percent of the fatalities in 2003.

"These staggering accident statistics are due to the fact that Hispanics on Long Island are twice as likely to walk or bike to work as whites and six times as likely to use a bus," said Legislator Mejias. "Even those taking the bus to work often have to walk along busy roadways in early morning or late evening hours, while it is dark."

In 2004, there were 487 bicycle/car accidents in Nassau which resulted in two deaths. Of the 487 accidents, 87 percent of those injured were not wearing a helmet. (Statistics for Hispanics were not available for these years.)

"Immigrants don't just ride bikes for recreation," said Marianela Jordan, Executive Director of CASA. "They use their bikes to make their livelihood, visit friends and do their errands. We can make an impact by educating bikers and pedestrians about safety and by distributing safety equipment."

For more information about pedestrian safety tips, literature to distribute, or to make a donation, call Legislator Dave Mejias' office at 571-6214.