Replacement Program Offered For Columbia Parkcycle Front Forks

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Columbia Manufacturing Company of Westfield, Massachusetts announces a continuation of its free replacement program involving the front forks of 15,390 Parkcycles (children's sidewalk bicycles) manufactured between August 1 and November 1, 1983. The Commission is aware of 2 complaints of lacerations and contusions of the face resulting from children falling from these Parkcycles and approximately 30 reports of front fork failure that did not involve injury. All but one of these incidents were brought to CPSC's attention by Columbia.

Prior tolerating of any fork failures, Columbia's internal testing program indicated that it would be desirable to strengthen the Parkcycle front forks and Columbia commenced using a heavier gauge steel for the front forks on all Parkcycle production as of November 1, 1983. Because of an inspection and replacement program conducted by Columbia, all Parkcycles sold after February 9, 1994, already have the strengthened front fork. Replacement forks are still being offered free of charge to all owners of Columbia Parkcycles purchased prior to February 8, 1984, and consumers are encouraged to participate in this program.The affected units are 16-inch children's bicycles identified as the boys' "X2 Tiger", Model No. 2122, and the girls' "Rainbow Connection", Model No. 2121. The Parkcycles were distributed nationally and retailed for approximately $75.00. PARKCYCLES PURCHASED AFTER FEBRUARY 8, 1984 ARE NOT AFFECTED.

This announcement is being issued as a supplement to the program initiated by Columbia in March 1984 through and with the cooperation of its major retail accounts. Over 9,600 Parkcycle front forks have been replaced, and this announcement is intended to inform again those purchasers who have not had their Parkcycles repaired how to obtain a replacement fork.

If your X2 Tiger or Rainbow Connection Parkcycle has a serial number at the rear of the Parkcycle beginning 3212 or lower, and you have not yet obtained a replacement fork, you should do so at once. You may ask your retailer for a new fork and easy assembly instructions or ask your retailer for a preaddressed postcard and Columbia will ship the new fork and instructions directly to you. Consumers may also write to Customer Service, Columbia Manufacturing Company, 1 Cycle Street, Westfield, MA 01086. Please specify whether your Parkcycle is the Model 2122 (black) or model 2121 (pink).

For information about this replacement program, consumers may also call the Commission's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is 800-638-8270.