![Shifter](/img/default-banner.jpg)
- 245
- 20 679 604
Shifter
Canada
Приєднався 2 бер 2011
Shifter: A channel about urban cycling, bike commuting and the ways we get around our cities with author, journalist and creator Tom Babin. Interested in working with me? Get more info here: shifter.info/about/
An update on the future of this channel
Shifter Memberships are here. Thanks to the amazing support you've all shown over the years, I've finally launched a membership program. If you're interested in some bonus content, the inside track and some exclusives, and are interested in supporting this channel, please consider joining.
Shifter Memberships: www.patreon.com/Shifter632
Shifter Memberships: www.patreon.com/Shifter632
Переглядів: 14 882
Відео
New 'urban' suburbs are better than old ones, except for these things
Переглядів 19 тис.2 дні тому
I live in a city that always seems to be building new suburbs, and I've noticed a change in the ways those communities are marketed. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, suburbs were often cast as places of refuge from the mean streets of the city, oases of green far from crowded and noisy downtowns. But today, the marketing of suburbs uses phrases that were once associated with cities, such as walkabi...
The staggering health improvements from bike commuting
Переглядів 56 тис.21 день тому
Welcome Shifter Big Stories, sponsored by Riese & Müller. This is the first in a series of videos to delve into bigger, deeper and more important issues around urban cycling and bike commuting. To kick off this series, I wanted to start with something that has an impact on everybody: Health and wellness. And everybody knows that riding a bike is good for you. But when I started looking more dee...
Bike mechanic reacts to viewer tips for keeping bicycles running smoothly
Переглядів 30 тис.Місяць тому
Several weeks ago, I asked members of the Shifter community for tips on keeping a bike running smoothly. And you delivered! Hundreds of very thoughtful tips rolled in. But in reading them, I realized many of you know a lot more about bike maintenance than I do, so I decided to ask an expert for help in assessing them. Arleigh Greenwald, also known as @CargoBikeLifecom, agreed to join in with he...
130-year-old bicycle vs brand-new modern bike
Переглядів 74 тис.Місяць тому
I've often wondered why, after a century of innovation, modern bicycles look so similar to the ones that people rode in the 1890s. After all the innovations in the world since that time, why haven't we improved on the bicycle? That question drove me to compare a brand-new, just-out-of-the-box bike to one that was built in 1895. And maybe you'll be as surprised as me at the similarities and the ...
What's really behind weird bike infrastructure in cities
Переглядів 67 тис.2 місяці тому
Sometimes I come across bike infrastructure that's so out-of-step with its surroundings, so outlandish in its execution and so downright weird that I can't help but wonder: Who builds this stuff? In this video, I explore five pieces of bizarro bike infrastructure in my city (Calgary, Canada), and then think more deeply about how they came to exist. Thank you to everyone in the community who mad...
The ultimate beginner's guide to bike commuting
Переглядів 65 тис.2 місяці тому
Bike commuting can make your life better in so many ways, but it can be difficult to get started, especially if you live in a city that doesn't make it easy by providing safe, separated bike infrastructure. So, after many years of bike commuting, here is my advice to help you get started. 0:00 Introduction 0:32 Part 1: Choosing the right bike 0:55 Reliability over speed 1:16 Seeking efficiency ...
Things that can make or break your city bike life
Переглядів 19 тис.3 місяці тому
I'm a big fan of Maddy Novich's Instagram channel Cargo Bike Momma, so I was thrilled when she and her husband Jeff agreed to show me some of the ways they use bikes to get around New York City. But as they were showing me around, I was struck by some of the make-it or break-it moments they encounter every day that either make their lives easier, or throw up barriers they need to overcome. Foll...
How to safely drive your car around cyclists
Переглядів 26 тис.3 місяці тому
How to safely drive your car around cyclists
How to find space for bike lanes in clogged cities
Переглядів 56 тис.4 місяці тому
How to find space for bike lanes in clogged cities
When cycling is 'normalized but marginalized'
Переглядів 188 тис.4 місяці тому
When cycling is 'normalized but marginalized'
These brands say their stylish clothes are secretly great for cycling. Will the stylist agree?
Переглядів 26 тис.4 місяці тому
These brands say their stylish clothes are secretly great for cycling. Will the stylist agree?
The best winter commuter bike for all budgets
Переглядів 26 тис.5 місяців тому
The best winter commuter bike for all budgets
How people in 100 cities ride bikes differently | The Shifter Global Bike Culture Index
Переглядів 54 тис.6 місяців тому
How people in 100 cities ride bikes differently | The Shifter Global Bike Culture Index
Gift guide for urban cyclists and bike commuters 2023
Переглядів 39 тис.7 місяців тому
Gift guide for urban cyclists and bike commuters 2023
I rode 50 km on five saddles to find the best type of bike seat for commuting
Переглядів 141 тис.7 місяців тому
I rode 50 km on five saddles to find the best type of bike seat for commuting
This northern city is spending $100M to improve cycling. Can your city too?
Переглядів 115 тис.8 місяців тому
This northern city is spending $100M to improve cycling. Can your city too?
Testing a cargo e-bike as your everyday vehicle
Переглядів 43 тис.8 місяців тому
Testing a cargo e-bike as your everyday vehicle
Help me compare the bike culture of cities all over the world
Переглядів 13 тис.9 місяців тому
Help me compare the bike culture of cities all over the world
An electric cargo bike to replace a minivan as the ultimate family vehicle
Переглядів 44 тис.9 місяців тому
An electric cargo bike to replace a minivan as the ultimate family vehicle
The real impact of bike commuting on climate change
Переглядів 73 тис.10 місяців тому
The real impact of bike commuting on climate change
The 'secret sauce' transforming this cycling city
Переглядів 47 тис.10 місяців тому
The 'secret sauce' transforming this cycling city
It's time to stop with the "bicycle highways"
Переглядів 315 тис.11 місяців тому
It's time to stop with the "bicycle highways"
I finally found a true Dutch bike in North America. Here's what you need to know
Переглядів 452 тис.11 місяців тому
I finally found a true Dutch bike in North America. Here's what you need to know
Can a city have a cycling "culture" if its bike lanes suck? I have thoughts
Переглядів 28 тис.Рік тому
Can a city have a cycling "culture" if its bike lanes suck? I have thoughts
Five easy ways to reduce bike theft in your community
Переглядів 79 тис.Рік тому
Five easy ways to reduce bike theft in your community
Apartments with no place for bikes are a barrier to better cities
Переглядів 54 тис.Рік тому
Apartments with no place for bikes are a barrier to better cities
Using a bicycle to carry a week's worth of groceries in four different ways
Переглядів 155 тис.Рік тому
Using a bicycle to carry a week's worth of groceries in four different ways
Reviewing your top 20 street redesigns (plus: revealing the city's choice)
Переглядів 24 тис.Рік тому
Reviewing your top 20 street redesigns (plus: revealing the city's choice)
Getting bike lanes built quickly and cheaply
Переглядів 65 тис.Рік тому
Getting bike lanes built quickly and cheaply
I live in the UK. I drive, I'm disabled and fortunately I am able to cycle sometimes. I always respect cyclists and give them room, because it's the law here (the laws and attitude to cyclists have improved considerably recently), but more importantly I'M A CYCLIST TOO. I suspect that most "dicks" have never cycled and probably can't. In an ideal world ALL drivers would be required to cycle for a good while before being allowed to pass a driving test. Maybe if a driver is proven to be a hazard they could be forced to cycle instead for a while (definitely not on an ebike though). Just a thought - probably an unrealistic one. All the best from bonnie Scotland. ❤️
I forgot. Something that gives drivers huge problems are ebike delivery drivers who possibly don't understand the rules of the road and put everyone, but especially themselves in great danger. It's frightening. I'm sure that legislation will eventually regulate them, but this will only happen after people are injured. On principle I will never use their services to order fast food.
All hail the algorithm!
Thought of doing a Shifter 2 channel? Main channel for your primary stuff (and which keeps the algorithm ticking along) and more journo stuff on the 2nd channel. Many of your primary watchers will subscribe to both, I’d think
It explains so much that you were a print journalist.
Some of my favourite videos of yours have been where youve had conversations with other people and experts! Excited to see where this goes
You are doing an excellent job and I love your videos and your US-American perspective on cycling, which helps me understand why it is so important to have (good) infrastructure… How come you never appeared in the „war on cars“ podcast?
Discord would be a great way to centralise your viewers. I would say the channel is def big enough for a bit of merch too I'd buy a shifter sticker
After that he filmed it 4 times more.
exactly 3 years ago i bought a 1970's bike from an old couple in vancouver because of this channel and its 5000 sub fanbase. it's been so rewarding to have been through multiple bikes now, caring about urbanism, my way of life and overall principles. the value of this channel has grown immensely and to hear you with plans to further amplify that voice make me so fucking happy. thanks for everything so far and i hope for the best in the next chapter 💖
Bring the big data on !! Because I like to share some videos to my city hall. Let's give them a run for their money. 😅🎉
I think my favourite Shifter video is the one where Tom sat down with a friend to discuss the research behind and nuances of helmet-wearing. It sounds like that might be the sort of direction? Love that format and have all the patience in the world for it! Also, Shifter's not on Nebula yet? I don't know how channels end up on there, but if there's someone the fans can pester.. 👀
I suggest some content about bike restoration
Good to hear, thank you.
You're welcome
Would you consider joining Nebula as well? I think that would be great platform for what you are trying to do.
A few people have suggested it, so I'm certainly thinking about it.
Have you seen the FortNine channel? He is a Canadian doing motorcycle content similar to yours but he makes it a bit more entertaining. Or get a pet basket and a small dog. 😉
Hey Tom. I'm glad you're sticking around and have no problem pulling some money out of my panniers for you to start on this new path. Now go forth and create! Michel
Thank you very much!
I love your content. I have been binge watching your material. I noticed you are riding your Priority Continuum Onyx. In the past this was your "winter bike". I am curious is this becoming your summer bike as well? Does this mean you like your belt drive rather than a train. Your last belt drive video was 4 years ago, perhaps it is time to do an update.
This is a new Priority! It's a Priority Eight. A bit speedier and more fun for the summer. I think I may do a video on it. alnk.to/1XWoxFO
I always wear my u lock on my belt!
Have you considered writing a book? I can understand how the UA-cam format can limit the time you can spend on topics.
I did! It's called Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling: rmbooks.com/book/frostbike/
The people who call journalism dirty are fascists. It's not an exaggeration.
Doesn't like talking about himself, but does it 5 times :)
I just subscribe about 2 weeks ago, I thought you are going to retire or something
Thanks for the comment. I'm glad to hear this!
Why don't you make a video about rural commuting, impractical or practical. I'd love to know your opinion, it's seems nobody's talked about it.
Sitting on the train bringing back my new cargo bike to Montreal after getting some Shifter consulting on the choice. My $5 membership has saved me thousands on useless bike gear that Tom tells me is unnecessary.
Everyone give this comment a thumbs-up to encourage one of my my favourite UA-camrs to make more videos.
I've always felt fine about the PBS model (not sure if Canada has a similar tagline). "This program was made possible thanks to contributions paid for by viewers like you. Thank You"
I grew up hearing that line from the PBS affiliate in Spokane, Washington, which somehow made it's way to my Canadian television.
You're doing the right thing Tom. Wish I lived in your part of the world. Very Best Wishes
Thank you so much!
I started an urban living website partially due to your channel, so thank you!
Thanks Andy!
Done!
Thank you!
I'm in!
Thank you Brad. Your support has always been amazing.
This is the BEST commuter cycling channel on UA-cam. I'm proud to say I've purchased a membership!😃👍🏽
Thank you! I appreciate the support and the supportive comments 👍🏼
Your channel has been the best resource for me over the past 14 months of bike commuting. Your videos helped me decide what gear I needed, which brand would be best for me, and most of all they prepared me for the realities of hitting the road. You even introduced me to Priority Bicycles which led me to the bike I now own and love. I can’t have gotten all of that from you and give you nothing in return. So, I’ll be following the link to become a member so that you can keep on helping me and others get on our bikes more and in our cars less. Thank you so much for your work!
I'm so pleased to hear the channel has helped you out. Thank you for the support!
Good for you, I hope your new direction really works for you! Looking forward to future videos.
Thank you!
Thanks for not calling it Shifter+
As we speak, I have an old uptown 8 Breezer in my in my living room. There is wd40on the floor where I've unfrozen the brakes and am trying to get the chain off. Leaves everywhere! I'm a 70 year old lady that used to ride everywhere. I bought my brother his first bike in the 60s. I would love to get deeper into riding and the subjects that concern bike riders. I have a friend that wants to ride. I'm just trying to see if I'd be better to get a cheap one till I get the good one fixed. She's afraid to ride on the road. I'm not cause I've done that. I don't believe local commuting is the future for cars. We just need others to feel safe here in the US locally. In ga, it's illegal to ride on sidewalks over the age of 12. Yet they're doing little else to encourage cycling, much less safety. Anyway, here's my thanks for getting me back out there!
This is a great image to share, thank you. And I'm so happy the channel has helped you out. I suspect you're inspiring the people around you too.
I appreciate your dedication to the idea that life is complicated. As a professional student of history (I hesitate to go as far as calling myself a historian), I get frustrated when people want easy answers to complex, nuanced historical events or concepts. That's just not how the world works, and sadly, our culture is moving further and further into demanding simple answers and simple solutions. So thank you for your passion in seeking the nuance.
So true. It's unfortunate that a statement like "I don't do nuance" works so well as a political slogan.
Looking forward to some interesting bike journalism. I did enjoy the simple and accessible content of your UA-cam channel, the "just go for it" optimism of your messaging around trying out bike commuting.
I don't see that approach changing. One of the things I love most about cycling is its simplicity in our complex world!
Keep it SIMPLE, Simple is always better, Bicycles vs cars
Do you not think that there is already too much simplistic bicycle Vs car content on social media? This just creates division and toxicity in my opinion.
Great idea and very exciting!
Thank you.
Trust is good, control is better, and Faith is best.
I think more journalistic is a good idea. I liked your video on Edmonton. Especially highlighting the $100M price tag as actually pretty cheap when you factor in how expensive infrastructure actually is. High way expansion and an overpass for example. Also the guy that said "I read books"
Love that comment about reading books.
I had many accidents on bikes. On two occasions I was thrown and suffered moderate injuries. Broken ribs clavicle, etc I also hit my head on those two occasions in a form of uncontrolled whiplash. Without the helmet I undoubtedly would have suffered some form of cranial injury, or loss of an ear.
Done! Your channel has really helped me to be a better citizen of the world, one morning commute at a time. Thank you, and I’m excited to see what the future brings!
This is so amazing to hear. Thank you!
Fuck cars
Have signed up, really enjoy your videos and happy to support!
Thank you! I appreciate the support
Have you thought about Nebula? I do find it hard to want to spread a bunch of money around to tons of different locations. Instead, a majority of my favorite creators are on nebula and I can pay one fee to support them all.
I understand this concern, and appreciate you sharing.
@@Shifter_Cycling totally understand what you’re trying to do and I want to support your channel because I appreciate it so much. But there is an aspect of subscription fatigue that is difficult for those with limited finances.
I agree about the warping effect of the algorithm. Viewers cannot (must resist) thinking of ThumbUp as a Like, & ThumbDown as a Dislike. 1st priority is for Thumbs to drive the algorithm to provide More or Less, regardless of Like or Dislike. If I like a video content or production or creator, but it answered all my questions, & now I feel complete & don't want to continue down that path, I must give a ThumbDown or even unsubscribe to shut off the firehose.
The uk just isn't set up for bike Urban cycling. It's a old old old nation. The infrastructure is outdated
Older the better.
Woese responce is no, youre braver than me putting out, funny you womt ask to be paid! Good luck!
Thank you for starting this channel in the first place and your very inspirational and informative videos. Looking forward to the shift in Shifter 👍😉 Partially thanks to your rooting for bike commuting I’m taking the bike on more and more occasions and am discovering uncharted distances on the bike (at least for me personally 😉). Happy to be a supporter! ❤️
Thanks so much for the support, and for the words of encouragement!
Excited to see where the channel goes. This may sound strange but if you search youtube for a series called epicly laterd, or likewise type in jenkem skateboarding and you can find some really interesting journalistic style videos following people and their lives and experiences in skateboarding. This could be cool to create something like that with commuters or people that work in sustainable transport etc
I will check this out, thank you!
0:15 please don't litter....
That paper made it home with me 😉