Škoda Auto presented an unusual but very practical solution for traffic safety. Škoda DuoBell is a bicycle bell that can be heard even through headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). This bell was developed in collaboration with scientists from the University of Salford, with the aim of solving a growing problem in cities: pedestrians who, because of headphones, do not hear the warnings of cyclists.
A growing problem with headphones
According to the data researchthe number of incidents between cyclists and pedestrians in urban areas is increasing, partly due to more frequent use ANC headset. They effectively eliminate external sounds – including the classic bicycle bell – which reduces awareness of the environment. In cities like London, where the number of cyclists is constantly increasing, this problem is becoming more pronounced.
How Škoda DuoBell works
Unlike standard doorbells, DuoBell isn’t trying to be louder – it’s trying to be smarter. Engineers have identified the so-called a “safety frequency window” between 750 and 780 Hz, a range that ANC algorithms struggle to suppress. The bell is designed to emit sound in exactly that range. In addition, DuoBell uses a second resonator that produces sounds of higher frequencies, with irregular pulses generated by a special mechanism. Such a combination makes it difficult for the headphones to “recognize” and eliminate the sound, so it reaches the user.
Škoda Auto
Škoda Auto
Škoda AutoTests have shown that pedestrians wearing ANC headphones can hear the DuoBell up to 22 meters earlier than a classic bell. This gives them up to a few seconds more to react. Just enough to safely pass or avoid cyclists.
In real-world conditions, during tests with couriers in London, the bell proved to be effective enough to reduce the risk of collisions and increase safety in everyday driving.
Škoda DuoBell is an analog solution to a digital problem
It is interesting that Škoda DuoBell is completely mechanical device – no electronics, batteries or software. Škoda describes it as an “analogue solution to a digital problem”, which uses an understanding of technology to get around it.
Škoda Auto
Škoda Auto
Škoda Auto
Škoda AutoInstead of commercializing the product, the company decided to make the research publicly available, in order to encourage wider application and improve traffic safety. Škoda DuoBell cannot be bought for now. The company is still thinking about how to offer it to the market.