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What Is Proposition 65?
In 1986, California voters approved an initiative to address their growing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. That initiative became the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known by its original name of Proposition 65. Proposition 65 requires the State to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. This list, which must be updated at least once a year, has grown to include approximately 775 chemicals since it was first published in 1987.

What types of chemicals are on the Proposition 65 list?
The list contains a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals that are known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals include additives or ingredients in pesticides, common household products, food, drugs, dyes, or solvents. Listed chemicals may also be used in manufacturing and construction, or they may be byproducts of chemical processes, such as motor vehicle exhaust.

This all sounds pretty good right? Keep chemicals out of our water and soil can’t be a bad thing, right?

For several months Xtracycles have been Out of Stock, and many folks have been patiently waiting (thanks folks). After 5 months they are finally available… but NOT IN CALIFORNIA. Apparently this product (which can effectively help replace thousands of car trips a year) contains a wee bit too much lead. You can buy one directly from the manufacturer, but not from a supplier. Who knows why. I’m sure it has something to do with red colored tape.

Proposition 65 also limits certain bicycle dynamos (generators), lights and even a few bottom brackets.

In case you are unsure of which state California is, it is the state that also has an emissions law that prohibits 75mpg two-stroke scooters, but allows more Hummers and bus-like SUVs than anyone would know what to do with.

Xtracycle
Proposition 65
CA Emissions Law
Stella

**Update**

Jeremy at Xtracycle writes:

There is no lead anywhere in the Xtracycle Free Radical product itself, or the paint.
The lead is in the plastic in those little plugs that you take out and throw away when you unpack the Free Radical kit. We are dealing with this issue right now, and we will keep you posted on the situation.

In the meantime, if you live in California, you can order directly from us. Our distributer is removing the plugs manually, so they will be shipping to dealers again soon as well.