We had
exactly the same thing happen. I found this product on E-bay, and it has been a god send. I can walk behind her and keep her speed down on hills, and give her a push up if she is feeling lazy.
The handle is very well made.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Push-me-Home-Parents-push-handle-for-childrens-bikes_W0QQitemZ150238718336QQihZ005QQcategoryZ6464 7QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
