What's better than a bicycle bell?

January 30, 2025

close-up of bicycle bell fitted to handlebars

Ringing a bicycle bell should be one of the simplest joys of cycling, but for we Brits it can become a social etiquette minefield when navigating shared paths. Ring it too close, and you risk startling the pedestrian into jumping sideways. Ring it too far away, and they might not hear it, leaving you leaving you in an awkward game of “squeeze past”.

Even though the Highway Code is clear: bells are there to "let [road users] know you are there when necessary", there can be a perceived undertone of reprimand. The challenge is using them politely.

We hold the Guinness World Record for loudest bicycle horn - just don't use it on your local towpath

Bells can be helpful, but they’re not the be-all and end-all of courteous cycling. A friendly verbal cue (“Excuse me, passing on your left!”) can go a long way when delivered with the right tone.

For shared paths, the onus is always on the cyclist to slow down and approach people on foot with care, but it got us thinking about whether there might be a more finessed alternative to the traditional bicycle bell; perhaps a duck call whistle? After all, the "quack quack" sound is benign, dare we say humorous, and unlikely to raise anyone’s hackles.

photo of a duck standing beside a duck call whistle
Duck call whistle - better than a bicycle bell?

Win an Oi bicycle bell or duck call whistle – you decide

We believe every cyclist deserves a bell that suits their own approach to life on two wheels. That’s why we’re giving away the choice of a Knog Oi or a duck call whistle.

close-up photo of a Knog Oi bicycle bell in a brass finish
Unlike domed bells, the Oi produces a crisp, pleasant chime

The duck call whistle produces a convincing quack that's sure to get you noticed. For those who prefer a more elegant, if traditional solution, the Knog Oi bicycle bell has a minimalist design that wraps discreetly around your handlebars.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave a comment below with either “bell” or “quack” and we will pick a winner next week.

We know a thing or two about protecting bikes

It's an unfortunate fact of life; bicycles can break down. Even the shortest journey comes to an abrupt halt if you can't fix a flat tyre, broken chain or buckled wheel at the roadside. It's why over 30 years ago we launched Cycle Rescue  - the UK's first breakdown cover for bicycles.

ETA Cycle Rescue covers e-bikes, too. If you ride a road-legal electric bicycle, we’ll cover it against mechanical faults, punctures or a flat battery.

How does Cycle Rescue cover work?

If you suffer a breakdown (including punctures, or even a flat e-bike battery) while out cycling, or are unable to continue due to an injury, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team is on hand to arrange transport for you and your bicycle to a safe location.

Cycle Rescue costs only £24 per year with no hidden extras to pay if your bicycle suffers a breakdown.

Get Cycle Rescue for free when you buy ETA cycle insurance

Every cycle insurance policy of ours includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
Cycle Rescue
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

Information correct at time of publication.

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