| FOR RELEASE |
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| December 19, 1986 |
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| Release # 86-079 |
Replacement Program Announced For Roadmaster Corporation 12" Sidewalk Bicycles W/Plastic Wheels
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, the Roadmaster Corporation of Olney, Illinois today announces a voluntary replacement program involving several thousand plastic "mag" wheels on boys and girls models 9693-KM & 7973-KM 12" sidewalk bicycles. The hazard involves a wheel breakage problem which may occur when the tire is inflated significantly beyond the recommended inflation pressure.
Roadmaster and the Commission have been informed of two incidents where minor injuries occurred when plastic "mag" wheels broke during tire inflation. Since many air pumps are not metered, bicycle tires are frequently over inflated. Over inflation of the tires may cause these plastic wheels to fragment and pieces to be propelled striking the user and bystanders.
This announcement is being issued in conjunction with Roadmaster's replacement program undertaken during the past six months.
Roadmaster is replacing, free of charge, all affected sidewalk bicycle wheels. Only models 9693-KM & 7973-KM sidewalk bicycles are involved in this free replacement. Both of the affected models were sold nationwide by K mart retail stores.
Roadmaster's engineering analysis indicates that the problem wheels may break when over inflated. Roadmaster stopped shipment of the subject models immediately upon learning of the potential failure. Customers having one of these sidewalk bicycles should contact the Roadmaster Parts and Service Department at 800-626-2811. Replacement steel-spoked wheels will be provided in exchange for the returned plastic "mag" wheels.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.