https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/skoda-world/skoda-duobell-a-bicycle-bell-that-outsmarts-even-smart-headphones/ * Stories * Media Room * Sustainability Subscribe to our stories en CZ Subscribe to our stories, so you don't miss out on anything: [Your title and name ] [ ] Subscribe [ ] Hereby I give my consent to the processing of my personal data for the purposes of sending information about products, services and events related to Skoda Auto. 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In an effort to reduce collisions with cyclists, Skoda 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. 7. 4. 2026 Skoda World The DuoBell, a bicycle bell whose sound outsmarts the algorithms of headphones equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), has been developed by the car manufacturer in cooperation with scientists from the University of Salford. Researchers and audiologists from the University of Salford, together with the Skoda, examined how ANC affects the audibility of conventional bicycle bells. The company intends to make the underlying research findings and insights publicly available. The material is intended to support broader expert discussion and contribute to increased safety in urban traffic. This content is hosted by a third party (www.youtube.com). By accessing and viewing this external content, you acknowledge personal data processing may occur by the relevant external provider and you confirm that you are acquainted with the terms and conditions as well as relevant privacy notice of www.youtube.com.I acknowledge and confirm "For Skoda, exploration has always been fundamental. This project is an excellent example of how a simple, yet clever idea can help make exploration safer for everyone," said Meredith Kelly, Global Head of Marketing at Skoda Auto. [Navrh-bez-nazvu-55_c2be10ba]Meredith Kelly Global Head of Marketing at Skoda Auto Tackling Inattention The redesign of a safety feature that is more than 100 years old originated from a simple need. "Bicycle bells have remained almost unchanged for over a century, but the world around them has not. Skoda DuoBell is the first bell ever designed to penetrate noise-cancelling headphones. It is a smart analogue trick that outsmarts the artificial intelligence algorithms in these headphones. It is a small adjustment that will improve safety on city streets," said Ben Edwards from AMV BBDO, the agency involved in developing the concept. The idea was also supported by the agency PHD, while production company Unit9 contributed to the development of the prototype. The number of cyclists in major cities worldwide is increasing. For example, in London, the number of cyclists is expected to surpass the number of car drivers for the first time in history this year. At the same time, however, the risk of collisions between cyclists and inattentive pedestrians is also rising. In 2024 alone, according to data from Transport for London, the number of such incidents increased by 24%. Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones This trend is partly driven by the growing popularity of headphones equipped with active noise cancellation, which reduce pedestrians' ability to perceive and respond to their surroundings. In the streets of London, up to half of pedestrians wear such headphones. Many of them are so effective that even the ringing of a conventional bicycle bell does not penetrate them. The response is DuoBell: an analogue solution to a digital problem - a fully mechanical bell that deceives smart headphone algorithms and significantly increases the likelihood that pedestrians will detect its sound. Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Scientific Approach The key to the success of the new design lay in understanding how noise-cancellation algorithms in headphones operate and how they can be overcome. Scientists from the University of Salford, in collaboration with Skoda Auto, therefore conducted one of the first studies to examine how ANC technology affects the audibility of traditional bicycle bells. Through acoustic testing, the research team identified a narrow frequency band - a "safety gap" - capable of penetrating ANC headphone filters. This range lies between 750 and 780 Hz. The bell therefore emits sound at this frequency. It also features an additional resonator (hence the name DuoBell), tuned to a higher frequency, and, thanks to a specially designed hammer mechanism, produces rapid and irregular strikes. This generates sound waves that ANC algorithms are unable to process quickly enough to suppress. Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Measurements conducted during testing also demonstrated that pedestrians wearing active noise-cancelling headphones had up to 22 metres of additional reaction distance when DuoBell was activated, representing a crucial safety margin. In real-world trials conducted on the streets of London in February, in cooperation with Deliveroo couriers, the bell proved so effective that couriers expressed a desire to keep it. Content-Frame-3_368735ae The bell prototypes were also created as a tribute to Skoda's current Modern Solid design language. The colours, surface finishes and materials draw inspiration from solutions used in Skoda vehicles. Naturally, the bell also features the new Skoda Auto logo. "This project is an expression of our design principles. It's what we call at Skoda "Simply Clever," says Oliver Stefani, head of design at Skoda Auto. oliver-stefaniOliver Stefani Head of design at Skoda Auto image_026b926a Skoda and Cycling More than 130 years ago, Skoda began by manufacturing bicycles, and it remains active in cycling to this day, as well known to all fans of the legendary Tour de France. Skoda also supports other cycling events, including the renowned road races La Vuelta, Paris-Roubaix and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. For the 2026 season, the company is also a partner of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and the UCI Gravel World Championships. Cycling enthusiasts can also engage with the Skoda We Love Cycling platform. Subscription background Be the first to get the latest stories You must provide an e-mail. [ ] Subscribe now! [Your title and name ] Please accept the terms before continuing. [ ] Hereby I give my consent to the processing of my personal data for the purposes of sending information about products, services and events related to Skoda Auto. Manage subscription Explore more [Snimek-obrazovky-2025-09-19-v-15] A rally champion's challenge: 300 km by bike through the white night [LCHPS-SKODA-250618-093332_317ce360-1440x960] Chasing tenths: on two wheels or four [Navrh-bez-nazvu-61_c29f4d2b-1440x810] Tour de France fighters tested the Skoda L&K 130 student car Tags 1. 2026 Media Box 12 images Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Original 1920px Original 1920px Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Original 1920px Original 1920px Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Original 1920px Original 1920px Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Original 1920px Original 1920px Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Original 1920px Original 1920px Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Original 1920px Original 1920px Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Original 1920px Original 1920px Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones 7. 4. 2026 Skoda DuoBell: A bicycle bell that outsmarts even smart headphones Original 1920px Original 1920px Show more Show less Related Stories Based on tags: 2026 Make your tyres last. 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