Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Bell Sports

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 1999
Release # 99-104

Company Phone Number: (800) 456-BELL
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

CPSC, Bell Sports Inc. Announce Recall of Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bell Sports Inc., of San Jose, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 5,800 bicycle helmets used for BMX and downhill mountain biking and racing. A defect with the helmets' chin strap rivets can result in the helmet coming off the rider's head in the event of a fall or crash. If the helmet comes off, serious head injury could result.

Bell Sports is aware of one incident where the chin strap assembly became detached from a helmet during a crash. No injury was reported.

These bike helmets are red, green, black, white and "Tear Away," which is multicolored. They were sold under the model names Rhythm, Bellistic and Qualifier, which is written on their packaging. The recalled helmets have date stickers inside reading October 1998 through March 1999. "BELL" is written on the sides of these helmets and on the visors.

Independent bicycle dealers nationwide sold these helmets from October 1998 through April 1999 for between $90 and $125.

Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, until they are repaired or replaced. For more information, consumers should call Bell Sports at (800) 456-BELL between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday. For a free replacement helmet, including shipping costs, consumers should mail their helmets to Bell Sports Inc., Route 136 East, Rantoul, IL 61866, ATTN: BMX Department. Consumers also can contact Bell Sports through their website at www.bellsports.com.

Picture of Recalled Helmets