Tom Babin
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shifter.info
Tom Babin
@shifter.info
4.5K followers 580 following 250 posts
Creator: Shifter | Urban cycling and bike commuting
Author: Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling
More here: linktr.ee/shifter
Posts Replies Media Videos
shifter.info
So cool to be given a glimpse into life after cars with @thewaroncars.bsky.social in their own neighbourhood!
youtu.be/K9qYiCYGwiE
A glimpse into what life after cars actually looks like (with @TheWarOnCars)
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
February 12, 2026 at 8:44 PM
shifter.info
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.
February 9, 2026 at 3:37 PM
shifter.info
I emptied my closets to share the clothes I wear at every temperature
youtu.be/3RBFvD_i5_o
How I dress in layers (affordably) for winter activities and cold-weather bike commuting
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 9:50 PM
shifter.info
When I heard this story of resilience and community, knew I had to share
youtube.com/shorts/IXy9U...
When I heard this story of resilience and community, knew I had to share #cycling #ebike
YouTube video by Shifter
youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:04 PM
shifter.info
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
Rating 5 Bike Intersections from Terrible to Actually Pretty Good
YouTube video by Shifter
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December 11, 2025 at 2:52 PM
shifter.info
It's that time of year again
youtu.be/j01meiJyLeI
Best Cycling Gifts 2026: Every Budget from $30 to $1000
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 4:13 PM
shifter.info
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
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This city is overcoming the backlash and building a biking city
YouTube video by Shifter
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November 6, 2025 at 4:29 PM
shifter.info
If you bike commute for fitness or straight-up transportation, my new video has some advice for you
youtu.be/GhAU5o2TK5g
Testing two completely different ways of bike commuting
YouTube video by Shifter
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October 15, 2025 at 5:39 PM
shifter.info
New video: The story of one boy has given me hope for getting more kids riding bikes to school again
youtu.be/Lqz6TjVXIxc
Why kids don't bike to school anymore (and 5 things that can fix it)
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
October 1, 2025 at 7:04 PM
shifter.info
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.
September 24, 2025 at 3:41 PM
shifter.info
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
Here's what's stopping more bicycle commuting incentives
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
September 18, 2025 at 4:10 PM
shifter.info
Not the typical kind of video from me, but one that I loved making
youtu.be/olXd-MfC2BU
How I went from 10 km commuter to 300 km adventurer by bike
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
August 28, 2025 at 6:33 PM
shifter.info
Come for the Seattle beer, stay for the cross-border relationship building via bicycle.
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Join me in Seattle for a bike ride and party. #bike #cycling
YouTube video by Shifter
youtube.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Tom Babin
cailynn.bsky.social
I wrote something for @theglobeandmail.com
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... #yycbike #yegbike #BikeTO #BikeHFX
Opinion: The premiers are using bike lanes as a political scapegoat
Safe cycling infrastructure saves lives, but sadly, many politicians are ignoring the facts
www.theglobeandmail.com
August 16, 2025 at 4:57 PM
shifter.info
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
I changed my mind about these bike protests
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
August 14, 2025 at 7:13 PM
shifter.info
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...
Who wins the argument about bike lanes when evidence is required? #bike #bikecommute
YouTube video by Shifter
youtube.com
August 6, 2025 at 7:28 PM
shifter.info
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?...
This bike theft trick almost got me. I had gotten complacent
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
July 30, 2025 at 5:19 PM
shifter.info
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
What every cyclist needs to know about wildfire smoke
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
July 16, 2025 at 8:48 PM
shifter.info
Some simple tips to help make your bike ride better
youtu.be/qDR3chp2GoE
9 simple ways to make your bike commute more comfortable
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
July 3, 2025 at 3:34 PM
shifter.info
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
June 28, 2025 at 4:39 PM
shifter.info
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?
June 25, 2025 at 3:28 PM
shifter.info
New video: How to make our bike-share systems better
youtu.be/sCOo2HMczB8
The mistakes that make bike-share systems suck
YouTube video by Shifter
youtu.be
June 19, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Reposted by Tom Babin
robsonfletcher.com
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
June 16, 2025 at 8:37 PM
shifter.info
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.
June 12, 2025 at 1:25 PM
shifter.info
According to this list, it looks like Glenmore is the only drinking-water reservoir in Alberta that bans swimming. Why?
June 9, 2025 at 2:20 PM