Škoda DuoBell: the next-generation bike bell that headphones can’t silence

Škoda has reinvented one of the oldest pieces of bicycle technology in an effort to improve road safety for riders. Developed with the help of the University of Salford and trialled by professional riders, the new DuoBell bike bell creates a unique sound that effectively bypasses the systems used in noise-cancelling headphones used by pedestrians.

In London, cyclists are set to outnumber car drivers for the first time this year. But bike–pedestrian collisions also rose by 24% in 2024, according to Transport for London data. One contributing factor is the widespread rise in the use of noise-cancelling headphones. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) reduces awareness of approaching cyclists, posing serious danger to pedestrians and cyclists.

Researchers and acousticians from the University of Salford worked with Škoda to conduct one of the world’s first studies examining how ANC technology affects the audibility of traditional bicycle warning bells. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works by generating counter-sounds that cancel incoming audio signals, meaning everyday alerts, including traditional bike bells, can be filtered out before reaching the listener.

Through acoustic testing, the research team identified a narrow frequency band, or “safety gap”, of between 750Hz and 780Hz that consistently penetrates ANC filters.

Using this data, the DuoBell was designed and developed in partnership with creative agency AMV BBDO, PHD Media’s innovation team, and production company Unit 9. As its name suggests, the DuoBell features a second resonator tuned to a higher frequency, and a specially designed striking mechanism that produces rapid, irregular impacts to generate sound waves that are designed to fool the ANC algorithms.

The bell has been tested to achieve efficiency through real-world trials with partners operating in busy urban environments. A two-week trial using a fleet of Deliveroo riders who depend on road safety daily was also completed. By providing feedback from their daily on-road use, the riders helped to shape the final prototype. One Deliveroo rider championed the DuoBell, saying that with the tech, “he finally had a voice in the streets”.

Trials found that pedestrians wearing ANC headphones had as much as five seconds longer and up to 22 metres more distance to react when the bell was activated, providing a critical safety margin*.

As part of the initiative, Škoda has shared its findings in an open-source white paper, using research as a public service to help make cities safer. An influencer-led awareness campaign featuring Professor Hannah Fryand delivery driver London Hustle will also be running throughout April across social media channels, with additional content launching later in the month.

Commenting on the DuoBell project, Meredith Kelly, Head of Global Marketing, Škoda, said:“Exploration has always been at the heart of Škoda. As the brand continues to grow, we’re constantly looking for new ways to support people as they move through the world. This project is a great example of how a simply clever idea can help make that exploration safer for everyone.”

Ben Edwards and Guy Hobbs, AMV BBDO, said: “Bike bells have barely changed in a hundred years, but the world around them has. Škoda DuoBell is the first-ever bell designed to cut through noise-cancelling headphones. A clever analogue hack that outsmarts the AI algorithms inside them. It’s one tweak that will make city streets safer.”

Dr Will Bailey, University of Salford, said: “This project uncovered something fascinating about how we experience sound in modern environments. We’re proud to have worked with Škoda to turn that insight into something practical that could make a real difference to safety in our cities.”

Škoda’s cycling heritage dates back more than 130 years, having started life as a bicycle manufacturer in 1895. Today, the Czech brand continues to champion cycling globally and supports dozens of international cycling events, including La Vuelta, the Tour de France Femmes, and, for more than 20 years now, the Tour de France.

A full database of media assets relating to the Škoda range is available to download at www.skodamedia.com.