April 25, 2026, 2:29 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
In city traffic, a short ring is often enough to get others’ attention. However, in practice, this is becoming less effective. The reason lies in the increasing use of headphones with active noise cancellation. This technology specifically filters out many ambient sounds. This creates a problem for cyclists because traditional bicycle bells are often no longer heard. Škoda is responding with a new solution and introduces the so-called DuoBell.
The new bell specifically exploits a weakness of many headphones. Studies show that there is often a gap in the range between 750 and 780 hertz. This is not reliably filtered by noise-canceling systems. Developers refer to this area as the “Safety Gap.” This is exactly where the DuoBell comes in. It produces a tone in this frequency window that remains perceptible despite active noise cancellation. Additionally, the system combines two slightly different frequencies to further enhance detectability.
How the DuoBell Circumvents Noise-Canceling
The chosen frequency range, however, presents technical challenges. Low tones typically require larger bells. Škoda addresses this issue with an adapted design. The material thickness is reduced, and the metal is specifically cut. This creates the desired sound characteristics without significantly increasing the bell’s size. The size remains practical for everyday use.
Initial tests show how the DuoBell performs in comparison. At the University of Salford, the bell was examined in a virtual reality environment. It was perceived from an average distance of about 22 meters. Additionally, the reaction time was about five seconds earlier than with conventional models. Subsequently, the bell was also tested in real street traffic, including in London city traffic, together with the delivery service Deliveroo.
London is particularly suitable for such tests. Forecasts suggest that the number of cyclists there could exceed the number of drivers for the first time. At the same time, the risk of collisions with inattentive pedestrians is increasing. According to traffic data, the number of such incidents increased by 24 percent in 2024 alone.
Also of interest: Are headphones actually allowed while cycling?
No Launch Date Yet
The DuoBell is not yet available in stores. Skoda plans to bring the bell to market with partners. A specific launch date has not yet been set.