Dec [{()}]1d ago

Skoda developed (with the University of Salford) an all-mechanical bicycle bell that bypasses active noise cancellation (ANC) in headphones.
https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/skoda-world/skoda-duobell-a-bicycle-bell-that-outsmarts-even-smart-headphones/
It's tuned to 750hz, which is a "blind spot" in most ANC headphone processing.
There is also a resonator for a higher frequency, and the hammer produces irregular strikes, confusing the ANC further, and making pedestrians look behind them faster.

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDaVPfpQvPI

Research:
https://cdn.skoda-storyboard.com/2026/04/Skoda-DuoBell-Research-final_cf127752.pdf

#BikeTooter

Škoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones - Škoda Storyboard

Pedestrians wearing headphones are exposed to an increased risk of accidents. In an effort to reduce collisions with cyclists, Škoda Auto, in collaboration with scientists, introduces an innovative bicycle bell whose sound can penetrate even active noise cancellation systems. In doing so, it helps prevent injuries to both pedestrians and cyclists.

Škoda Storyboard
Show threadHollieK
@dec23k If people are riding bikes in places where pedestrians are walking, then they should be prepared to dismount and wheel the bike along if they haven't got a clear path ahead, instead of expecting people to jump out of their way because they've rung a bell. It is not fun to find a cyclist zooming up behind you at a rate of knots, and it's difficult to gauge where you should move to in the short space of time you have between them ringing the bell and catching up with you.
Apr 8 at 7:49amWeb
Show threadX-tof1d ago
@HollieK72 @dec23k and what about the situation, when people are walking, where (only) cyclists are expected to ride?
Show threadHollieK1d ago
@x_tof @dec23k In the UK, it's often very difficult to see where the cycle lanes are supposed to be, as they switch between the road and pavement without any rhyme or reason, and are therefore confusing for cars on the road, pedestrians on the pavement, and cyclists at any point. Proper cycle lanes that are separate from the road and pavement would be the solution, but that's not coming any time soon. Vehicles and pedestrians should not be in cycle lanes.
Show threadEleanor LNR Blair1d ago
@HollieK72 @dec23k I don't think most people who use a bell (or most people who complain when we don't use a bell!) are expecting pedestrians to "jump out of the way" as they sail past too close without slowing down. I won't deny that cyclists like that exist, but most bikes slow down and only use the bell to make sure people are aware and not surprised by their approach. (I prefer a cheery "good morning" myself, or where I do need someone to move an "excuse me, sorry!").
Show threadEleanor LNR Blair1d ago
@HollieK72 @dec23k I'm thinking here mostly of the DNA path in Cambridge, which is a shared route for bikes and pedestrians, completely away from the roads, but which was built too small for how popular it has become.
Show threadHollieK1d ago
@lnr @dec23k I know Not All Cyclists Are Like That, but I was talking about the ones that are like that.