RECALL: 34,000 Burley Design Child Bicycle Trailers

Burley Design LLC of Eugene, OR recalled about 34,000 of its child bicycle trailers because they can separate from the tow bar when they appear to be connected, posing a crash hazard to the child in the trailer.

This recall involves seven models manufactured from 2009 to 2015 and equipped with black plastic tow bars. Trailers equipped with aluminum tow bars are not affected by the recall.

The recalled trailers allow cyclists to tow children behind their bicycles while riding. The trailers are connected to the bicycle by a tow bar, which attaches to the rear axle of the bicycle on one end and to a tow bar receiver on the trailer at the other end. The tow bar receiver is on the front left side of the trailer as it faces the rear wheel of the bicycle. Recalled trailers have a black plastic tow bar receiver with an integrated wheel guard. Recalled trailers can be identified by the first four characters of the serial numbers on the trailer. The serial number is on a sticker in the rear cargo area behind the seat of the trailer on the left inside frame bar.

Affected models and their Serial numbers include:

Burley Design has received 35 reports of trailers with black plastic tow bar receivers separating from the tow bar, including two incidents that resulted in abrasions to a child.

The company is instructing consumers to immediately stop using the recalled bicycle trailers and contact Burley for a free safety strap kit with tools and instructions for installation and a coupon for a 20 percent discount on the purchase of any Burley accessory. Consumers should also inspect the black plastic tow bar receiver. If it appears to be cracked or damaged, consumers should also request a free replacement tow bar receiver.  

The trailers were sold at REI, Sport Chalet and other sporting goods stores and bike shops nationwide, and at Amazon.com and other online retailers from January 2009 to October 2015 for between $300 and $700.