Trek issues nearly 1 million bike recall after rider paralyzed

Trek is one of the more popular bicycle companies in North America, but issued a near-1 million bike recall after three riders were injured, leaving one paralyzed.

“It’s never ever been a talking point about how far (the front quick release levers) have opened up until now,” said Scott McKelvey of Palm Desert Cyclery.

The front quick release lever that opens past 180 degrees can potentially become caught in the front disc brake, causing the front wheel to separate or come to a sudden stop. That happened to three riders. One suffered facial lacerations, another a broken wrist, and the third was left quadriplegic after their accident.

Trek issued the recall for 900,000 bikes in the United States and 98,000 in Canada, all built between 2000 and 2015.

McKelvey’s worked with bicycles for 30 years and has never seen a massive recall like the one issued Wednesday. “It’s kind of funny that I’ve seen a lot more that should have been recalled in a much larger magnitude before this.” McKelvey added, “a lot of quick releases are never installed properly by the consumer and can cause some real danger.”

Palm Springs Cyclery has already changed out their potential problem parts for all Trek bicycles in both their stores, but continue to get at least 20 calls per day regarding the continent-wide recall.

“You know, you don’t want to be in an accident out there, but this is, this is a dangerous world out there. There’s a lot of things to pay attention to, this is one of them.”

Trek is offering the fix, free of charge for any bicycles that have the front quick release lever that goes past 180 degrees that also has a front disc brake.

Trek is also issuing a $20 coupon for those affected and have previously registered their bicycle.

Other companies may also have the front quick release lever in question on their vehicle, so make sure your lever is locked in place correctly.

If you do not know if a bicycle meets the specifications of the recall, bring the bicycle into a local bike retailer to get it checked.