February 2009 New Specialty Toys — Bicycles & Tricycles

CYCLE-OPOLY shows that a bicycle is more than just a pedal-and-chain-driven, human-powered vehicle with two wheels — it’s one of the greatest inventions of all time and it’s a whole lot of fun. Even on a rainy day, players can go exploring. "The board includes every style of bike imaginable along with some of the country’s greatest rides," Carla Miller of Late for the Sky told TDmonthly. "The six, 100-percent lead-free pewter custom tokens for CYCLE-OPOLY feature a sprocket, bike horn, water bottle, bike helmet, cycling shoe and, of course, a bicycle." Launch date: August 14, 2008.

The hottest European trend for kids has arrived in the USA. The immensely popular Kiddimoto balance bikes have the unique look of real motorcycles and are hand crafted of 100-percent birch plywood. Kiddimoto bikes do not have pedals or training wheels; therefore children learn to balance and steer very quickly, improving motor skills, increasing strength, and developing confidence on two wheels earlier than they have been able to ever before. "Our unique, British-designed wooden balance bicycles look like real motorcycles," Liz Roth, for Kiddimoto USA, distributed by Rocat LLC, told TDmonthly. Awards won include a 2007 Practical Pre-School Award, a 2007 Right Start Best Toy Award, a 2006 Hamleys Toy Award and a 2005 Baby Gear Gold Award. Launch date: February 15, 2009.