A bicycle bell, originally invented in 1877, is making a comeback in a completely new form. After almost 150 years, car manufacturer Škoda has introduced the “DuoBell,” a modern version designed to increase the safety of cyclists in the city.
A ring that "penetrates" modern headphones
The main idea behind DuoBell is to create a unique sound that can pass through the active noise cancellation (ANC) systems used in many modern headphones.
In tests with Deliveroo delivery drivers, it was observed that pedestrians wearing ANC headphones reacted up to 5 seconds later and were up to 22 meters further away when the standard bell was activated, compared to the new system.
According to the creative team from the AMV BBDO agency, the problem is that new headphone technology is changing the way people perceive their surroundings.
How the technology works
ANC systems work by capturing external noise and producing an opposing signal to neutralize it. However, researchers from the University of Salford found that there is a “safety gap” at frequencies around 750–780 Hz, where these systems become less effective.
This area was identified after tests with several headphone models, revealing a frequency that manages to pass their filters.
The solution: a simple but accurate bell
Škoda engineers built the DuoBell precisely on this frequency. The main challenge was physical: sounds at this level require a larger mechanism than a normal bicycle bell.
To solve this, a thin metal structure and special cuts were used, tuning the device to 750 Hz. In addition, a second frequency was added at 780 Hz, creating the double sound that gives it the name “DuoBell”.
What's special is that the device uses no electronics – it's completely mechanical, an analog solution to a digital problem.
Tests and results
In virtual reality simulations, a cyclist with a DuoBell was heard up to 22 meters earlier and around 5 seconds faster than a traditional bell. According to Škoda, this difference can be decisive between avoiding an accident and a dangerous collision.
The test was then repeated on the streets of London in collaboration with Deliveroo, where the system again showed effectiveness.
The future of DuoBell
Škoda is considering collaborations to integrate this technology into the wider market, however it has not yet been announced if and when DuoBell will go on sale to ordinary users.
For now, it remains an interesting idea that aims to address an increasingly present problem in modern cities: the lack of pedestrian attention due to noise-canceling headphone technology. /GazetaExpress/
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