Comment from Allen Blanchfield

Document ID: CPSC-2010-0104-0012
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Consumer Product Safety Commission
Received Date: November 21 2010, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Date Posted: November 22 2010, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: November 1 2010, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: January 18 2011, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 80b9eee0
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This is comment on Proposed Rule

Requirements for Bicycles

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Reference: Consumer Product Safety Commission, Docket ID: CPSC-2010-0104 This amendment effectively provides updates to 16 CFR Part 1512, particularly with regards to the unique configuration of recumbent bicycles. One point of interest is the clarification provided for the definition of a "track bicycle". While they are commonly associated with velodrome events, whether they truly have or require a braking system of any type remains a matter of opinion. The rear hub is unique in that it neither freewheels nor engages an internal coaster brake when backpressure is applied to the pedals. If the rider does attempt to backpedal, it does serve as a braking action by transmitting a backwards force. While some track bike events such as the University of Indiana's annual "Little 500" require a rear coaster brake, velodrome events do not. Whether an engineered, purpose-built braking system must be incorporated on track bicycles should be addressed.