'Bike bells have barely changed in 100 years, but the world around them has' – meet the new Duobell, designed to defeat noise-cancelling headphones

Cyclists often face challenges when alerting pedestrians on shared paths, particularly as many walkers use noise-cancelling headphones that render traditional bike bells ineffective. Addressing this issue, Škoda, in collaboration with scientists from the University of Salford, has developed the DuoBell, a new type of bike bell designed specifically to penetrate active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. This innovative device aims to improve safety by ensuring that cyclists’ warnings are audible even to those immersed in digital sound isolation. Škoda, a company with deep roots in cycling dating back to 1895, has leveraged its expertise and longstanding involvement in major cycling events to create the DuoBell. The bell operates within a narrow frequency band between 750Hz and 780Hz, identified through research as a ‘safety gap’ that bypasses ANC filters. Moreover, the DuoBell features a dual-tone system: a lower tone to reach headphone users and a higher, more traditional tone for pedestrians without headphones, delivered through a unique hammer mechanism that produces rapid, irregular strikes. The development of the DuoBell responds to rising concerns over cyclist-pedestrian collisions, which Transport for London data shows increased by 24% in 2024, partly due to diminished pedestrian awareness caused by headphone use. Dr Will Bailey from the University of Salford explained that the bell’s lower frequencies can physically penetrate headphone materials better, while its tonal qualities outsmart the noise-cancelling algorithms. This analogue approach is a clever countermeasure to a modern digital problem, enhancing the likelihood that cyclists can safely warn others of their presence. Feedback from trialling the DuoBell with delivery riders, including those from Deliveroo, has been overwhelmingly positive, with users noting its superior audibility and effectiveness. Despite this, Škoda currently has no plans to commercialise the bell, instead opting to share their findings to promote broader safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Meredith Kelly, Škoda’s global head of marketing, emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation and safety, highlighting the DuoBell as a simple yet impactful solution to contemporary urban challenges. The DuoBell represents a significant step forward in cycling safety technology, blending traditional mechanical design with modern acoustic science to address the evolving realities of shared urban spaces. While it remains a prototype for now, the research behind it could influence future developments in bike safety equipment, potentially reducing conflicts and accidents on increasingly busy shared paths and trails.