16-INCH

September 9, 1992 Release # 92-134 PRODUCT: Santa Fe Trading, Inc.'s 12-inch and 16-inch BMX sidewalk bicycles. PROBLEM: Both bicycles are equipped with only handbrakes; the 16-inch bicycle is also free-wheeling, which means the wheels operate independently of the pedal motion. Under Federal requirements, sidewalk bicycles may not be free-wheeling and may not have handbrakes only. WHAT TO DO: Consumers with these bicycles should contact the retail store where the bike was purchased and arrange for repairs which will bring the bikes into compliance. In lieu of repairs, consumers may also request a refund of the purchase price. WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Santa Fe Trading, Inc., Houston, TX is voluntarily recalling its 12- and 16- inch BMX sidewalk bicycles. Both bicycles are equipped only with hand-brakes and the 16-inch bicycle is also free-wheeling which means the wheels operate independently of the pedal motion. Under Federal requirements, sidewalk bicycles (bicycles with a seat height less than 25 inches in the highest adjustable position) may not be free-wheeling and may not have handbrakes only. Sidewalk bicycles that fail to meet these requirements present a significant risk of injury to a young child who might not be able to stop the bicycle with a handbrake. The sidewalk bicycles being recalled are: Name of the Product: 12-inch Sidewalk Bicycle Brand Name/Model #: BMX/901 Country of Origin: Taiwan Number of Units Sold: 146 Dates of Sale: May 27, 1992 - June 10, 1992 Distribution: Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana How Discovered: CPSC/Customs Surveillance Program at the Port of Houston Retail Price: Approximately $40.00 Name of the Product: 16-inch Sidewalk Bicycle Brand Name: BMX [no model number] Country of Origin: China Number of Units Sold: 172 Dates of Sale: April - June 1992 Distribution: Texas, Oklahoma How Discovered: Follow-Up CPSC Inspection Retail Price: Approximately $60.00 Consumers who have these bicycles should contact the retail store where the bicycle was purchased to arrange for repairs which will bring these bicycles into compliance. The handbrakes will also be removed from the 12-inch bicycle. The 16-inch bicycle will be retrofitted with a new seat post to raise the seat so that the bicycle will no longer be a "sidewalk" bicycle capable of being ridden by small children unable to use handbrakes. In lieu of these repairs, consumers may also request a refund of the purchase price. Neither CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving these bicycles. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. Santa Fe Trading, Inc., is out of business, and therefore cannot be contacted about this recall. Consumers can only deal with the retail store where they bought the product.CPSC is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction