Young Capel Curig inventor wins TV invention competition

Dec 9 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Tybalt Melia with CBBC My Genius Idea presenter Johnny Pitt

A MUM whose son was killed in a tragic accident has praised a young inventor who devised a warning system for cyclists in his memory.

Ten-year-old Tybalt Melia from Capel Curig won the final of the BBC’s My Genius Idea show on Tuesday with the Bike Bleeper, inspired by the death of his friend Lee Thompson Walker.

The Bike Bleeper – so named as it incorporates Lee’s name – lets cars know when they are approaching a cyclist at the side of the road. Tybalt’s idea is that by transmitting a message to a car radio, the driver will be given an audible warning that there’s a rider up ahead.

Lee was cycling on a pavement when he hit a wall, went over the handlebars and landed in the A470 road in Llanrwst in July 2008.

He collided with a Land Rover and died the following day at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Lee’s mum Liz Thompson was in the studio for the programme’s final and watched Tybalt’s invention win the competition. She said: “It was very emotional at the final, it brought back memories of Lee.

“I think Tybalt is an incredibly intelligent and caring young man and has a very bright future ahead of him. Naming the design after Lee was a lovely thought.

“The invention is quite a legacy for Lee and I hope it is taken up and mass produced. Even if it only prevents one death it’s significant.”

The clever youngster explained how the device could have other uses and how he hopes it may even be mass produced and released onto the market.

“It could also be used for horse riders and walkers,” explained Tybalt.

“Winning the competition was very exciting and I really hope my invention gets taken up by TomTom or one of the other companies I’ve approached because although it’s too late for Lee it might save another child.”

He added: “Everyone is too distracted when they are driving and should look out for kids more.”

Tybalt’s mother Lady Alice Douglas added: “He was absolutely overwhelmed when he won the competition.

“He is not very confident and never believes he is particularly good at anything.

“It was also incredibly emotional with Lee’s mum Liz being there.

“She is such a brave woman and we were all crying and hugging.”

Tybalt is now working on anti-glare technology and is trying to develop a plant system that doesn’t need watering.