Should you start using the running bell?
A Japanese running brand has designed a small bell that runners can wear on their finger to alert pedestrians to their presence
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YuTing Chan/Getty Images
We’ve all been there: you’re cruising along on a run and suddenly encounter unexpectedly crowded sidewalks, filled with pedestrians absorbed in their smartphones. As you try to pass, someone abruptly veers into your path, or worse—you startle them, leading to an awkward exchange of apologies.
The alternatives aren’t always better. Running on the road means navigating the risks posed by cars, and bike lanes can get crowded, too. But what if there was a simple tool that could help runners master the art of sharing the path and give walkers plenty of notice to move out of the way? Enter the Runbell: a small yet clever accessory that could revolutionize sidewalk running.
As runners, we know it’s our responsibility to share the space. But let’s be honest—constantly announcing your presence with an “on your left” or a “coming through” can get tiring. Even worse, people often don’t hear you, forcing you to slow down or execute an awkward sidestep to dodge a head-on collision. In winter, the problem is inevitable as it feels impossible to notify pedestrians through frozen faces and lungs—or when an icy patch turns an unplanned sidestep into a slip and fall accident.
The Japanese running company Runbell may have a solution to this universal runner’s problem: a wearable (finger) bell ring designed specifically for runners. It’s essentially the same concept as a bicycle bell, but reimagined as a lightweight, stylish ring you wear on your finger. With a flick of your finger, the bell emits a melodious chime to alert others that you’re there, giving them time to move out of the way.
The Runbell is adjustable and comes in multiple designs for men and women, including gold and copper finishes. Unlike other modern running gadgets, it doesn’t require batteries or charging—all it takes is a quick pull back and release of the spring-loaded hammer to produce its sound.
Sure, a runner wearing a bell might seem unusual at first, but consider the benefits: fewer awkward encounters on early-morning trails or busy city sidewalks, less frustration when pedestrians block your path, and a smoother/safer run for everyone involved. Whether the Runbell is a must-have for runners is up to you. But one thing’s for sure; it’s an interesting innovation that could make sharing the path a little easier.
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