Release Date September 16, 2004

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This applies to all “Kryptonite” brand (including “New York” locks) made after August 2002, at least some “On Guard” models and other locks with cylindrical keys.

According to some NYC bike shops, newer Kryptonite brand locks with key numbers beginning with "KK" can be opened with plastic pen casings, though locks with NBA and EGH series keys (made before August 2002) appear to be safe.

Locks with flat keys cannot be opened with plastic pen casings.

If you are a T.A. member and plan to redeem your “Kryptonite Super Discount Certificate,” T.A. recommends that you purchase the New York U-lock, which has a flat key.

If you need an immediate solution for your New York chain lock, T.A. recommends replacing the mini U-lock with a hefty padlock, which costs about $30 at your local hardware store. Your local bike shop may also be offering special trade-in deals on faulty locks.

T.A. urges buildings that do not allow tenants to bring their bicycle inside to do so. We also urge the police and the public to be on the lookout for increased bicycle thefts and attempted thefts.

T.A. recommends that all cyclists record the serial number of your bike (it’s on the underside of the bottom bracket), take a photo of your bike and register it with your local police precinct. If your bike is stolen, these precautions may make your bike recoverable or covered by renter’s or homeowner’s insurance.

Bike theft is the number one barrier to potential bicyclists in New York City. More than half of the 1,400 respondents to the NYC Department of City Planning’s 1999 Bicycle Survey Report said that not having a safe place to park their bike is their primary reason for not riding to work. Lack of secure bike parking outranked not having a shower, fear of drivers, poor street conditions and living too far from work.

New York City Council bill 155 would solve the bicycle theft problem by requiring all buildings to allow tenants to bring their bicycles inside. Council and City Hall should pass the bill without delay. The bill was introduced by Councilmember David Yassky and is sitting in the Housing and Buildings Committee.

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Kryptonite has posted the following on their Web site (September 22, 2004):

KRYPTONITE OFFERS FREE PRODUCT EXCHANGES TO ALL CURRENT OWNERS OF KRYPTONITE TUBULAR CYLINDER LOCKS

Lock Manufacturer Continues to Set the Standard for Security and Service

Canton, MA September 22, 2004 – Kryptonite today announced that the company is offering free product exchanges to all consumers who are concerned about the security of their current Kryptonite tubular cylinder locks.

At no charge to them, consumers will be able to exchange their current Kryptonite tubular cylinder lock for a Kryptonite non-tubular cylinder lock. Kryptonite will begin exchanging products within a few weeks as it accelerates product availability.

“At Kryptonite, we understand the responsibility that comes with being the market leader. Since we learned last week about the possibility of compromising some of the industry’s tubular cylinder locks, we have been working diligently to devise the best and most responsible solution to address the concerns of consumers and to meet the needs of our distributors and retailers,” said Steve Down, General Manager of Kryptonite. “We decided to simplify and expand our planned product upgrade program so that we could expedite the process for consumers and eliminate any lingering doubt in their minds about their locks. Standing by our customers is the responsible thing to do for those who rely on our security products to keep their valuables safe.”

Kryptonite is offering a free product exchange to consumers who currently have Kryptonite locks using tubular cylinders. To participate in the free product exchange offer, consumers can visit the company’s Web site at www.kryptonite.com for registration instructions. As part of this effort, Kryptonite will initiate a swap program through direct communication with all of its distributors and retailers.

Mr. Down concluded, “At Kryptonite, we constantly remind ourselves of our responsibility to lead and offer solutions – not excuses – that strengthen Kryptonite’s relationships with consumers and channel partners. By instituting the most comprehensive program possible, we believe our company has again taken the lead in providing unprecedented customer support and service.”