Bell Sports Bicycle Helmet Recall: Head Injury Risk

More than 33,000 Bell Sports bicycle helmets have been recalled due to defective construction that may cause the chin strap to fail, allowing the helmet to come off in a crash or accident. 

The Bell Exodus bicycle helmet recall was announced on Tuesday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after Bell Sports, the manufacturer, received a report of the buckle failing on at least one helmet, which resulted in an injury that required stitches. No other injuries have been reported.

The CPSC has determined that the plastic buckle that connects the chin straps on the full-face helmets can fail, resulting in an increased risk of head injury to riders relying on the helmet to protect them.

About 31,100 Bell Exodus full-face bicycle helmets sold in the U.S. and about 2,500 sold in Canada are affected by the bicycle helmet recall. The recalled bike helmets include model number 1003825/035011898025, sold in orange, grey and black, and model number 1006714/035011917719, sold in blue, grey, gold, white and black. They are sold in youth size and have a plastic buckle with a chin strap and an angled visor.

The helmets were sold in Walmart stores nationwide and on Amazon.com from August 2009 through March 2011 for between $50 and $60.

Bicycle riders who do not wear a proper helmet are far more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability world wide. Such injuries affect 1.4 to 1.7 million people each year, often resulting in extensive medical treatment and permanent around-the-clock care.

The CPSC recommends that consumers stop using the recalled bicycle helmets immediately and contact Bell Sports for a replacement helmet or a refund. Consumers with questions can call Bell Sports at 1-866-892-6059, or can visit the company’s website at www.bellsports.com.