A bicycle bell that whistles in the wind

The Windbell is a futuristic bicycle bell that uses air passing over the handlebars to emit a constant whistle.

The 3D-printed Windbell has no moving parts and makes no sound until it is revolved 90 degrees to allow air to pass through its body.

Designer Chang-Yu Pan took inspiration from wind tunnel technology to create the Windbell during his time at Kao Yuan University.

Windbell’s design not only retains the advantage of traditional bells, but also increases the period of the whistle. This function makes it easier for riders who are going downhill or riding at a high speed, extending the time of the alerting sound and enhance the safety of the people on the street.

It’s unlikely the innovative Windbell will make it to production, which may be just as well. Imagine the glee of the tabloid press journalists as they drew comparison between the Windbell and the ‘Jericho Trumpet’ wailing sirens fitted to German dive bombers in WWII to terrorise those on the ground.

What makes a good bicycle bell?

The bicycle bell is a much under-valued accessory; although it is a legal requirement that bicycle start their lives with one fitted, the fashion is for them to be quickly removed. If you cycle on tracks and paths shared with others they are a polite way of announcing your approach, especially if followed with a verbal greeting and request to pass. The basic bell can produce up to 100db and is available in a variety of styles and sounds. Our favourite is this fire engine-red design from £10

Frustrated and angered by the disproportionate danger posed to cyclists by lorries, the ETA designed and built the world’s loudest bicycle horn. At close quarters the Hornster bicycle emits 138db decibels; a level of sound so powerful that it scooped a Guinness World Record.

The triple air horn fitted to the bicycle is an Airchime KH3A from an American locomotive, which has been adapted to run off a scuba diving cylinder. Watch the Hornster on Youtube

The Hornster is so powerful that at a distance of 100ft it is far louder than a standard truck horn and more than noisy enough for a cyclist to make themselves heard above the din of the urban jungle.

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.