Published Monday, 15 January, 2007 at 01:22 PM

Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading, Wine Industry Development and Women
The Honourable Margaret Keech

SPEEDY ACTION LEADS TO BIKE RECALL

A dangerous bicycle has been recalled, thanks to quick action by a Queensland dad, the Office of Fair Trading and Kmart.

Acting Fair Trading Minister Geoff Wilson said the Huffy Fashion Days bicycle, sold nationally through Kmart since July, had insufficient braking power – potentially too weak to stop the bike in an emergency situation.

“We are grateful to the Queensland dad who bought the bike for his daughter and raised the alarm about the dangerous bike,” Mr Wilson said.

“On her first ride the bike failed to stop in an emergency on the road. Luckily the girl was not hurt.

“Her dad tried out the brakes himself. Even with his strength he couldn’t make them work, snapping the brake handle before he could get the brakes to connect.

“The concerned dad wrote to the Queensland Government raising his concern. The bike was subsequently found to be faulty when the Office of Fair Trading product safety unit inspected it.

“When notified, Kmart quickly removed the bike from sale. They also alerted the manufacturer, Hunter Leisure, and worked with them to begin an immediate national recall.

“I urge anyone who has purchased this bike to take it back to Kmart, either to have new brake levers fitted, or for a full refund.”

Mr Wilson offered parents and carers tips for checking bike safety:

·Ensure there are no sharp edges sticking out on the bike;

·Handlebar ends must be securely capped, plugged or covered with handgrips;

·Control cables should have end protectors to prevent fraying;

·Brake pads must make contact with the rim, not the tyre;

·Ensure pedals have yellow reflectors on the front and back;

·Wheels should each have a yellow reflector, the bike a white reflector at the front and a red reflector at the back;

·Check nuts and bolts are tight, the frame is straight and in-line, the hubs are greased, the chain is taut, the pedals turn smoothly and the brakes are fitted and operating correctly.

·Ensure safety features such as brakes, chain guards, reflectors and a bell are fitted.

For photos of the bike visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

For more information or to report an unsafe product call the Office of Fair Trading’s Product Safety Unit on (07) 3305 9614.

Media contacts: Olivia Nemeth (OFT) 3119 0067 or David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534

If you are advancing awareness about consumer issues in the Queensland media nominate for the Public Awareness Media Award in the 2007 Queensland Consumer Protection Awards. It’s your chance for recognition and a $1,500 prize.

For more information visit www.consumerawards.qld.gov.au.

Nominations close 5pm15 March 2007.