The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls related to bicycles continues to increase. Yesterday, CPSC announced a recall of approximately 91,000 bicycles imported from China by Bridgeway International of Naples, Florida .
The recalled bikes are “NEXT”-branded men’s 26-inch hybrid bicycles. Model numbers LBH2611M and LBH2611M2 are included in this recall. Consumer can find the model number on the frame between the pedals. CPSC reports the bikes subject to the recall were sold at Walmart from February 2011 through July 2011. The bikes are either red or orange and have “Power X” and “Suspension” printed on the frame.
The recall is due to CPSC’s determination that the bikes have a faulty chain that can break, causing a rider to potentially lose control and fall. Thus far, there have been 11 incident reports to Bridgeway International, including nine involving injuries. Consumers are encouraged to stop using the recalled bicycles immediately and contact the company for free repair.
CPSC is an Independent Federal Regulatory Agency that strives to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the risk of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. You can learn more about CPSC and recalled products at their website by clicking here.
A defective bicycle or bicycle-related product that leads to an injury may be the basis for a product liability claim under Illinois law. In Illinois, an injured person may pursue under the doctrine of "Strict Product Liability" when basically two conditions are met. First, an unreasonably dangerous condition or defect existed in the product. Second, the condition or defect at the time the product left the manufacturer's control, and the condition was the primary cause of the rider's injury.
If you have been injured while riding and think it was due to a defective product, please contact Illinois Bicycle Lawyer Mike Keating at MKeating@KeatingLegal.com or 312-208-7702. Keating Law Offices offers free, no obligation reviews of product liability cases. All consultations are completely confidential. This blog post was written with the assistance of Joseph T. Vietri, a third-year law student at DePaul University’s College of Law.
