CPSC Press Release:
Bell Helmet Recall
Summary: The CPSC announcement of Bell's 1999 recall of their Rhythm, Bellistic and Qualifier models to correct
strap problems reportedly caused by a supplier slightly increasing the diameter of a strap rivet hole in the shell.
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 1999
CONTACT: Kim Dulic
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183
Release # 99-104
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 1999 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.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000
types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and
for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800)
638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and
enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information or report product hazards to
info@cpsc.gov.