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Škoda Auto and the University of Salford have introduced DuoBell, a redesigned mechanical bicycle bell aimed at a modern safety issue: pedestrians wearing active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones. By analyzing how ANC algorithms suppress external sounds, researchers identified a narrow “safety gap” around 750–780 Hz that is less effectively attenuated, and tuned the bell to emit tones in that band. Prototyped with partners including AMV BBDO and Unit9 and tested in London with Deliveroo couriers, DuoBell is positioned as a low-tech countermeasure to algorithm-driven audio isolation, though critics note loud music and highly isolating earbuds may still limit effectiveness.
Škoda and the University of Salford developed the DuoBell, a mechanically tuned bicycle bell that pierces active noise cancellation (ANC) in headphones by exploiting a discovered "safety gap" between 750–780 Hz. The bell adds a higher-frequency resonator and a rapid, irregular hammer strike pattern to produce sounds ANC systems struggle to cancel. Street tests in London showed pedestrians wearing ANC headphones detected an approaching cyclist ringing the DuoBell about five seconds and 22 meters earlier than with a conventional bell. Škoda published the full study; pricing and availability are not yet announced. The design offers a low-tech safety fix to a modern audio-technology blind spot.
Škoda Auto and researchers at the University of Salford unveiled the DuoBell, a redesigned mechanical bicycle bell engineered to be audible through active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones. By studying how ANC algorithms suppress sounds, the team identified a narrow frequency “safety gap” around 750–780 Hz and tuned the DuoBell to emit tones in that band. Agencies AMV BBDO and PHD plus production partner Unit9 helped develop the concept and prototype. Škoda plans to publish the research to inform broader safety discussions as urban cycling increases and ANC-equipped pedestrians create higher collision risks. The project is a low-tech intervention addressing a modern, algorithm-driven safety problem.
Škoda unveiled the DuoBell, a bicycle bell designed to be audible even to riders wearing active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones. Built and tested in London with Deliveroo couriers, Škoda says the DuoBell’s design and sound profile penetrate ANC and busy urban soundscapes better than conventional ping-ping bells; couriers in trials reportedly wanted to keep the device. Commenters note limits — ANC isn’t the only issue (loud music or isolating earbuds still block sounds) — and question real-world availability and the scale of improvement. The product matters as a practical safety-focused hardware tweak addressing a tech-adjacent problem at the intersection of consumer audio and urban mobility.
Škoda Auto, with the University of Salford and agencies including AMV BBDO and Unit9, unveiled DuoBell — a mechanical bicycle bell engineered to produce tones that penetrate active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones. Researchers identified a narrow “safety gap” between about 750–780 Hz that ANC systems attenuate poorly; DuoBell’s acoustics exploit that band so pedestrians wearing ANC are more likely to hear approaching cyclists. Škoda says the work stems from rising cyclist–pedestrian incidents in cities and will publish the underlying research to inform wider safety discussion. The project is notable as an analogue design countermeasure targeting algorithmic audio suppression rather than an electronic or app-based fix.