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Tom Babin

@shifter.info
4.7K followers 584 following 287 posts

Creator: Shifter | Urban cycling and bike commuting Author: Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling More here: linktr.ee/shifter

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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 18/09/2026
I joined @missingmiddleca.bsky.social to talk about the backlash to cycling that's happening in some places in North America recently. youtu.be/6z76EAQYZiU?...
youtu.be
Why Everyone Is Fighting Over Bike Lanes
YouTube video by Missing Middle Podcast
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 17/09/2026
This idea on making adventure accessible and achievable saved my summer www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibv4...
youtube.com
This idea renewed brought a spirit of adventure back to my life
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 02/09/2026
Wouldn't it be great if decisions about transportation were motivated by a desire to help everybody get around?
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 27/08/2026
New video: I sweated in all kinds of situations to find the best ways to mitigate it on your bike commute. Also: Did you know sweating is a key reason for the success of the human species? youtu.be/2Mym8uavTPU
youtu.be
I tested all the sweat hacks for bike commuters to find the ones that actually work
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 13/08/2026
If you're in the Montreal area, this sounds fun! And you get to hang with @ohtheurbanity.bsky.social site.canadiancivil.com/precious-car...
site.canadiancivil.com
Precious Cargo: A Cycling vs. Transit Family-Friendly Face Off
Patrick from Oh The Urbanity leads a ride across Montreal's cycling infrastructure, seen through the eyes of a modern family that does not own a car.
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 12/08/2026
New video: A big list of the things anybody can do to help their city get a little more friendly to cycling youtu.be/GlhoHnlmbtk
youtu.be
51 Things You Can Do to Make Your Community More Bike-Friendly
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 29/07/2026
Bike lanes work best when their benefits are amplified through the network effect. A great example of this in North America is at risk. youtu.be/jTTIqyPVxLA
youtu.be
When bike lanes are treated like transit
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 19/07/2026
There’s no easy answer if you use your bike for transportation and the air is toxic from wildfire smoke, but here are some ideas youtu.be/btz1vDl36H8
youtu.be
The mistakes I made riding my bike through wildfire smoke
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 09/07/2026
New video: Maybe me looking for the perfect electric cargo bike will help you find the perfect electric cargo bike youtu.be/RIhbHqSXCQ0
youtu.be
Here's how I'm deciding which type of electric cargo bike to buy
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 25/06/2026
I'm happy to see some accountability being advocated for here. Vision Zero was never intended to be empty platitudes. It's time to do some actual work to make the city safer and better. Great work @whoalansi.bsky.social and @alexwilliamsyyc.bsky.social calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
calgaryherald.com
Opinion: Cyclists need more than 'wear a helmet' to be safe on city streets
City needs to make changes to ensure cyclists are safe in sharing the road with vehicles
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 25/06/2026
I went hunting for gaps in Vancouver's bike-lane network, and found a bigger idea about how we think about bike lanes youtu.be/B93phHGSgYs
youtu.be
I found the worst gaps in this bike network. Here's what they cost every city
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 23/06/2026
I love the work @info.canadiancivil.com.ap.brid.gy is doing to highlight issues that feel local, but are really national. And I envy Paige’s stamina in watching those public hearings!
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Reposted by Tom Babin
Cara Stern @carastern.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
New Canadian Civil podcast episode! @paige.canadiancivil.com, @shifter.info, and I talk about Calgary's upzoning and subsequent repeal. Filled with all the wild edits and clips you can expect from a Canadian Civil video.
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 11/06/2026
My weekend exploring why it feels so different riding in this North American city youtu.be/T6A7SDXpNyA
youtu.be
The elements that make up the best cycling city in North America
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 27/05/2026
I found 4 big questions you should ask yourself before buying a bike for bike commuting, and some tips if you've already invested in a bike that's not a great fit for your life youtu.be/k0VzsSVSccc
youtu.be
Questions Nobody Asks Before Buying a Commuter Bike
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 22/05/2026
Just over a week until our mid-GoVelo bike ride and hangout in Montreal on May 30. There's still room to join me, @ohtheurbanity.bsky.social, Paige Saunders, and Priority Bicycles at the post-ride hangout. There will be giveaways! RSVP here: prioritybicycles.wufoo.com/forms/r1oh3y...
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 14/05/2026
My attempt to fix the first-mile/last-mile problem of commuting youtu.be/SBy4D8_vq6w
youtu.be
I Commuted Two Different Ways. The Winner Isn't What You Think
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 29/04/2026
My new video that explores how a counterintuitive traffic measure makes it safer and easier to get around a city by bike. youtu.be/KCs5nDEZpoM?...
youtu.be
12 Places Tried Letting Cyclists Roll Through Stop Signs. Here's What Happened.
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 29/04/2026
Come ride bikes with me! I'll be at the GoVelo festival in Montreal at the end of May, and, along with the team at ‪Priority Bicycles, we're also planning our own side event that will include a group ride and post-ride hangout www.prioritybicycles.com/pages/montre... youtu.be/oBLU6UzUtIg?...
youtu.be
Joins us at the GoVelo festival in Montreal #bike #ebike
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 09/04/2026
I got so much feedback on my video a few weeks ago about better options for e-bike laws that I made another video using that feedback to try to write a better law. Spoiler alert: It's impossible to write a law everybody will like. youtu.be/6Z35F2R7FeE
youtu.be
I Asked You How to Fix E-Bike Laws. The Answers Surprised Me.
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 25/03/2026
I spoke to @carterlavin.bsky.social about some of the most common mistakes people made when advocating for better transportation in our cities youtu.be/7d2gkfikNfs
youtu.be
5 Mistakes That Kill Bike Advocacy (And How to Fix Them)
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 11/03/2026
I'm worried about e-bike crackdowns, so I looked at all the options. Can we find a better way forward? With help from @thebikinglawyer.bsky.social youtu.be/JJN4FqcI7WE
youtu.be
8 ways to fix e-bike laws before the crackdown comes to you
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 26/02/2026
Here's how my own experiences riding around these cities have influenced the way I think about urban cycling. youtu.be/IkvuMNRGtzI
youtu.be
I rode my bike in 12 different cities. Here's what I learned about cycling
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 12/02/2026
So cool to be given a glimpse into life after cars with @thewaroncars.bsky.social in their own neighbourhood! youtu.be/K9qYiCYGwiE
youtu.be
A glimpse into what life after cars actually looks like (with @TheWarOnCars)
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 09/02/2026
I know it's crazy to talk about regulating ebikes while allowing automobiles to kill and main with (almost) impunity, but I worry this terrible new law in New Jersey is going to snowball. The current system is not working, and doing nothing may no longer be an option.
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 28/01/2026
I emptied my closets to share the clothes I wear at every temperature youtu.be/3RBFvD_i5_o
youtu.be
How I dress in layers (affordably) for winter activities and cold-weather bike commuting
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 23/12/2025
When I heard this story of resilience and community, knew I had to share youtube.com/shorts/IXy9U...
youtube.com
When I heard this story of resilience and community, knew I had to share #cycling #ebike
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 11/12/2025
Tired of bike routes that disappear at important intersections, I took a closer look at what works and what doesn't youtu.be/6aSx23JNY_M
youtu.be
Rating 5 Bike Intersections from Terrible to Actually Pretty Good
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 20/11/2025
It's that time of year again youtu.be/j01meiJyLeI
youtu.be
Best Cycling Gifts 2026: Every Budget from $30 to $1000
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 06/11/2025
It can feel like a tough time for those who believe bikes are key to making our cities safer and better. So here are some lessons from a city that is bucking the trend youtu.be/WT5Miss2itQ
youtu.be
This city is overcoming the backlash and building a biking city
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 15/10/2025
If you bike commute for fitness or straight-up transportation, my new video has some advice for you youtu.be/GhAU5o2TK5g
youtu.be
Testing two completely different ways of bike commuting
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 01/10/2025
New video: The story of one boy has given me hope for getting more kids riding bikes to school again youtu.be/Lqz6TjVXIxc
youtu.be
Why kids don't bike to school anymore (and 5 things that can fix it)
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 24/09/2025
I only met Dr. Darren Markland a few times, but he made an impact on me. This clip from coffee outside (with Darren giving away free coffee from his bike-mounted coffee-maker) offers a glimpse into how he viewed cycling and community as interwoven. I'm so sorry for his family and community.
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 18/09/2025
Millions of people around the world receive incentives to ride their bikes to work. So why aren't you? New video about to drop: youtu.be/YbRV9q0ViCE
youtu.be
Here's what's stopping more bicycle commuting incentives
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 28/08/2025
Not the typical kind of video from me, but one that I loved making youtu.be/olXd-MfC2BU
youtu.be
How I went from 10 km commuter to 300 km adventurer by bike
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 19/08/2025
Come for the Seattle beer, stay for the cross-border relationship building via bicycle. youtube.com/shorts/OHt5L...
youtube.com
Join me in Seattle for a bike ride and party. #bike #cycling
YouTube video by Shifter
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Reposted by Tom Babin
Cailynn Klingbeil @cailynn.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
I wrote something for @theglobeandmail.com www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... #yycbike #yegbike #BikeTO #BikeHFX
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: The premiers are using bike lanes as a political scapegoat
Safe cycling infrastructure saves lives, but sadly, many politicians are ignoring the facts
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 14/08/2025
It's been around for decades, but the recent revival of @criticalmassyyc.bsky.social has helped me finally understand the importance of Critical Mass bike rides. youtu.be/rjpI11UQEiI
youtu.be
I changed my mind about these bike protests
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 06/08/2025
Did you ever wonder what might happen if the debate over bike lanes came down to which side has better evidence? Well, in this case, it did. youtube.com/shorts/h0DNV...
youtube.com
Who wins the argument about bike lanes when evidence is required? #bike #bikecommute
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 30/07/2025
New video about to drop: I nearly had my bike stolen, and it was a wake-up call for keeping my bike secure in ways that don't frighten my away from riding youtu.be/dRjG6eYX-0g?...
youtu.be
This bike theft trick almost got me. I had gotten complacent
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 16/07/2025
I finally looked into the risks of riding a bike through wildfire smoke, and, folks, it ain't good. (No, cartoonishly large heads are not one of the risks) youtu.be/btz1vDl36H8
youtu.be
What every cyclist needs to know about wildfire smoke
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 03/07/2025
Some simple tips to help make your bike ride better youtu.be/qDR3chp2GoE
youtu.be
9 simple ways to make your bike commute more comfortable
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 28/06/2025
I’m so blown away by the size and fun vibes of Critical Mass rides these days. It gives me so much hope! @criticalmassyyc.bsky.social
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 25/06/2025
Having just spent a week emailing with somebody who turned out to be a robot, I'm proposing a new game: Is this spam or a legit email that just happens to have been written by AI?
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 19/06/2025
New video: How to make our bike-share systems better youtu.be/sCOo2HMczB8
youtu.be
The mistakes that make bike-share systems suck
YouTube video by Shifter
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Reposted by Tom Babin
Robson Fletcher @robsonfletcher.com · 16/06/2025
103 cyclists suffered major injuries in crashes with cars in the last year on record in Alberta. 5 died. In 73 of those collisions, the driver made an "improper action" vs. 30 who were "driving properly." 🔗: open.alberta.ca/dataset/2502... Anyway, here's the RCMP reminding cyclists to stay safe:
Strathcona County RCMP remind cyclists of bike safety

 Strathcona County, Alta. – As warmer weather approaches, Strathcona County RCMP are reminding cyclists of the importance of wearing a helmet and bicycle safety in an effort to prevent injuries and keep everyone safe.

Whether you’re cycling for fun, as a commuter or with your family, it is important to know the rules of the road. To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer, Strathcona County RCMP are encouraging everyone to follow some safety tips:

Wear a helmet. Cyclist under 18 years of age must wear a helmet. Adults are strongly recommended to wear a helmet.
Bicycles must be equipped with a horn or bell, a brake, and if operated at night, a white headlight, a red taillight and a red rear reflector.
Stay on designated bike trails when possible and check trail conditions ahead of time.
Secure your bicycle with a high-quality lock, remove valuables from your bike and take them with you.
Keep records of your bike’s make, model, serial number, photo and any unique features to assist with recovery if stolen.
For more tips on bike safety and information on the cycling regulations in Strathcona County please see: Cycling safety and positive tickets | Strathcona County
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 12/06/2025
A report from the UK got headlines flying about how some comments from mean cyclists were undermining the cause of cycling. But that’s not the full story.
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 09/06/2025
According to this list, it looks like Glenmore is the only drinking-water reservoir in Alberta that bans swimming. Why?
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 03/06/2025
New video about to drop where I try out a lot of nice, and a few ridiculous, glasses while cycling. And yes, I tried Meta Ray Bans on a bike, which may be both nice and ridiculous 🤷🏽 youtu.be/VHib8vZogcI
youtu.be
The best eyewear for bike commuting and urban cycling
YouTube video by Shifter
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Tom Babin @shifter.info · 27/05/2025
Just a few days left to use the early bird discount code on The Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting and Urban Cycling! shiftercourses.thinkific.com/products/cou...
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