A REMOTE-CONTROLLED brake for parents to stop their child s bicycle has been created by a Times Territory inventor. David Atkins, from Oaklands, and business partner Andrew Robertson began designs for Bike Stoppa 18 months ago after Mr Robertson s son, th

A REMOTE-CONTROLLED brake for parents to stop their child's bicycle has been created by a Times Territory inventor.

David Atkins, from Oaklands, and business partner Andrew Robertson began designs for Bike Stoppa 18 months ago after Mr Robertson's son, then aged three, was nearly run over when cycling.

The device, attached to the frame of the child's bicycle, is activated by pressing the stop button on the adult's key fob.

The back wheel is locked, and the bicycle comes to a skidded stop to ensure that the child will not fly over the handlebars. Bike Stoppa also works independently from the bike's own braking system.

The firm set up to market the device, which will be run by the duo's wives Sue Atkins and Tess Robertson, is being backed by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which said there is no other product like this on the market.

Mr Atkins, 45, who is an engineer and lives in Turpins Chase, told the WHT he hoped the product would encourage kids to cycle everywhere.

"The idea of it is to get children back on their bikes and to cycle to the park rather than being driven," he said.

"A total of 15,000 children are either injured or killed each year after accidents on their bike, so this will hopefully take the stress away for parents.

"I think there is a real gap in the market and if it takes off like we hope I can see a visit to the Dragons' Den in the future."

Mrs Atkins, 47, who is a mother-of-one, added: "I'm really excited about the future.

"People who have seen the product really like it and I think it could be a really big hit."

Marketed as best suitable for children aged three to six, it has a range of 30 metres.

The website was launched this June and so far 80 devices have been sold.

Bike Stoppa is available online at www.bikestoppa.com for £29.99, and can also be ordered by phone on 01727 878245.