At last, a new use for bicycle bells

The bicycle bell is a much under-valued accessory; although it is a legal requirement that bicycles start their lives with one fitted, the fashion is for them to be quickly removed. However, a Japanese film on Youtube suggests a new use for the millions of bicycle bells discarded each year; donate them to pedestrians for use on crowded pavements.

Bicycle bell shouts abuse

It is hard to ring a bicycle bell in anger in the way that drivers use car horns, so perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn of a bicycle speaker that records and plays any message.

The £16, handlebar-mounted speaker announces “on your left” at the press of a button, but can record and then play any verbal warning, unusual sound or string of expletives. The 44mm speaker plays the sound of a traditional bell or the message of your choice at 80 decibels, which is about the same as a moderately loud shout.

Cycle insurance

Every cycle insurance policy from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement if your bike is stolen, cover for accidental damage (race events included), third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover and if you breakdown, we will even come out and recover you and your bike. From 33p per week.