Tricycle Recall

Radio Flyer Inc. has voluntarily recalled 24,975 Tornado and Power Tricycles because a weld on the front fork may fail, causing a child to fall while riding.

One child fell and suffered minor injuries when the defective fork weld failed, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The tricycles involved in the recall are the 300 Tornado (blue with light blue trim), PTG Power Trike (green with red trim), PTP Power Trike (purple with pink trim) and PTB Power Trike (blue with light blue trim). Each trike's front wheel is about 12 inches in diameter. All but the 300 Tornado have Radio Flyer decals on the frame.

The Tornado trikes were sold in warehouse clubs in the western United States from Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 1994, for about $29.99. The Power Trike models were sold nationwide through various retailers from Aug. 1, 1994, through last month for about $39.99.

If the 1.5-inch washer between the front fork and tricycle frame is the same color as the frame, take the trike away from the child. Call Radio Flyer Inc. of Chicago at (800) 621-7613 and ask for a free replacement piece. Or return the trike to the store for an exchange or refund.

Radio Flyer trikes with black 1.5-inch washers between the front fork and frame are not involved in the recall.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772; the teletypewriter for the hearing- or speaking-impaired is (800) 638-8270.

Application deadline

If you've had problems with Hart's Athletic Club, Cascade Athletic Club or a LivingWell Lady Health Club, call the state Attorney General's Office at (800) 692-5082 or (800) 551-4636, or 464-6684; the TTY number for the hearing-impaired is (800) 276-9883.

Because of recent legal action taken by the state, some consumers are eligible for restitution from these clubs. The deadline for applications is Aug. 19.

About 850 consumers complained the health clubs used high-pressure sales tactics; used bait-and-switch advertising; failed to deliver promised services and facilities; failed to cancel memberships when requested; and used unfair and deceptive billing and collection practices.

Volunteer arbitrators

The Better Business Bureau of Western Washington needs volunteer arbitrators to serve in its alternative dispute resolution program.

Training will be Sept. 25-27 in the SeaTac area. Session hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27.

The training sessions are free, but the BBB does ask volunteers to make a two-year commitment to the program.

For more information contact Grant Braddish, alternative dispute resolution coordinator for the BBB. Call 383-2227 in Pierce County or 431-2227 in King County.