An update on the future of this channel

[@catherinecat6182]

The title made me worried the channel was coming down! Really glad to hear it's actually expanding the ideas the channel touches on. Very excited for the future of Shifter!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I'm excited too. Thank you!

[@RodrigoPerez79]

I was worried he was buying a car! LOL

[@PaigeSaunders]

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.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Everyone give this comment a thumbs-up to encourage one of my my favourite KZbinrs to make more videos.

[@sammymarrco2]

I love that you want to get into the nitty gritty, so much of online "urbanism" is "train and bike good, car bad" or "city good, suburb bad" but the real world is vastly more complicated then that. I'm looking forward to it!

[@yaiirable]

Agreed. The video about Edmonton actually inspired me to get involved with IRL activism, rather than just watching videos. I left a comment on the video 7 months ago and still come back to it and share it with anyone who will listen! ( For anyone looking, the video is titled: "This northern city is spending $100M to improve cycling. Can your city too?" )

[@kurt.dresner]

@@yaiirable OMG! That video got me to start a Coffee Outside in my city!

[@yaiirable]

@@kurt.dresner Awesome to hear! Hope the movement keeps growing

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Well, this is the best comment thread. Thanks everyone!

[@LoneHowler]

@@yaiirable that was one of the videos that got me to participate in neighborhood and city engagement. I've visited a few sessions and work with online engagement when I can. I'm pretty sure that by participating I got my neighborhood one of the few 5A bike lane upgrades in last year's budget. I'm excited for next month's engagement when I can play with online maps to point out more areas that can be improved, and what I'd like to see in those new bike lanes. The far East portion of Calgary is finally going to get some great connections with safe bike lanes

[@ElisabethOberndorfer]

As a fellow journalist, I really appreciate your approach to crafting and researching stories. I live in Vienna, Austria, and I stopped cycling to work years ago because I was afraid of traffic. Your videos have encouraged me to look into what's happening in my city in terms of bike-friendly developments, and there's actually a lot happening right now. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@hi_its_kim]

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.. 👀

[@bbllrstv13]

What about starting a podcast? I'd listen to you discuss urban cycling and bike commuting topics either alone or with experts on the impacts it has on mental health, climate etc. for an hour once a week or something!

[@STorm_Trooper]

I would subscribe immediately to a Shifter podcast. He has a very soothing voice to listen to.

[@stevenpearson5718]

I was thinking the very same thing , a deep dive podcast about cycling and urban transport , sign me up straight away

[@BradFonseca]

I'd listen to that!

[@kesslerdupont6023]

maybe a livestream would be cool

[@dallasdouglas7361]

Please do!

[@GucciGoingBeats]

I just wanted to say thank you if it wasn't for your videos + plain bicycle (shout out Dan from customer service he's awesome)I would have never thought of getting into cycling let alone being addicted to dutch bikes and now after being in a car accident not being able to work drive or live on my own I feel much more independent and able to go farther by bike rather then walking or relying on others to drive me I just wanted to say thank you so much I believe you changed my life for the better by opening my eyes on cycling and urbanism in general and I just can't thank you enough ❤

[@Shifter_Cycling]

What an amazing comment. Thank you for watching, and I love the shoutout to Plain Bicycle! They are good people.

[@t.j.henderson1234]

Looking forward to some interesting bike journalism. I did enjoy the simple and accessible content of your KZbin channel, the "just go for it" optimism of your messaging around trying out bike commuting.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I don't see that approach changing. One of the things I love most about cycling is its simplicity in our complex world!

[@jerry.berumen]

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 💖

[@Destide]

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

[@zeemon9623]

Comment for algorithm boost. All the people in your community know that driving is the worst way to commute in every metric that matters and I therefore wish you all the success in the world attracting more people and showing them the light.

[@brianwheeldon4643]

You're doing the right thing Tom. Wish I lived in your part of the world. Very Best Wishes

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you so much!

[@JLUnit416]

I used to ride for fitness and recreation when I lived in rural Saskatchewan. A knee injury and a move to a place with more auto traffic reduced how much I rode. In June of this year, I had a stroke, which still prevents me from driving and while I've made a lot of improvement, I am in no shape to ride my Cannondale at the moment. With all that said, this morning, I just walked to my LBS, bought a step through with a rear rack and I'll be doing my own grocery shopping again, soon. I still hope to ride my old Cannondale some day, but for now, this has greatly improved my transportation situation and given me new appreciation for bikes as a transportation tool, not just a sporting activity.

[@RachelSmith-rq5ku]

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!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

This is so amazing to hear. Thank you!

[@strika62]

Tom, I've never paid "Membership" dues to any KZbin channel despite pleas from many creators I admire. However, you inspired me to get back into bike commuting and build myself an inexpensive, upright bike that I love to ride everyday. Please accept my heartfelt thanks and my application for membership .😊

[@timoteoserna]

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!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I'm so pleased to hear the channel has helped you out. Thank you for the support!

[@kostyafedot551]

Every person who delivers content worth of subscription is deserving financial support. Making youtube videos is the work to do.

[@DaveBasener1]

I also joined, and I appreciate the opportunity to give back to a channel that has inspired me to get more involved in bicycling decisions in my American city.

[@MichelFigeat]

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

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you very much!

[@stevenwalter3311]

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.

[@mikekeenan8450]

So true. It's unfortunate that a statement like "I don't do nuance" works so well as a political slogan.

[@ezekielcarsella]

Would love to see your content on Nebula, but I understand why you are going with a Patreon! Wish you well thanks for all you do!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you! Good to hear your thoughts on Nebula

[@neonetwork947]

Came here looking for a comment on Nebula. Many of the people on there do educational or journalistic style content. People have mentioned it having a much better pay structure than KZbin allowing for that content! That being said, I’m moseying to your Patreon to support however I can

[@SchwSchw]

Also a Nebula fan! Sadly, I don’t see myself on Patreon anytime soon if ever

[@kevinwhited984]

Great idea and very exciting!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you.

[@sagehiker]

You are an excellent journalist, writer, and researcher with a KZbin channel. I cannot help but support your expanded platform.

[@SH-LA377]

Excited for you and this commitment to your passion for hard hitting bike content.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you!

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

long time viewer, just answered your call, now a patreon supporter, hope that helps to make some changes in this car infested country

[@virtuous-sloth]

I appreciate that it is hard to ask for support but it is absolutely a valid model to be able to do thoughtful work. I supported The Sprawl and Livewire for years and a happy to sign up to support you in going deeper and more nuanced. Cruiser Bike for the win!

[@dinothegonzo]

Alright, I'm subbing soon! I don't normally support Patreon accounts, but this is something close to my heart.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you! I apprecaite the support

[@barnabybeere1557]

Have signed up, really enjoy your videos and happy to support!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you! I appreciate the support

[@brianmclelland7720]

I love your channel. I commute by bike everyday. Although I’m lazy when it comes to getting groceries and running errands.

[@catrionatalbot]

I’m a fellow ex-journalist, for the same reasons you mention. I started in print and then added radio. I think the idea of a podcast as mentioned elsewhere here is a great idea. It’s the new radio, without the need to get approval for the pieces you want to do.

[@calebskinner9348]

I appreciate your videos very much. I've been carless for over a year now and living in Calgary, it's especially helpful and cool to see you film on many of the same paths I ride frequently.

[@gregroemke1564]

I’ve enjoyed your tips and suggestions quite a bit! They’ve helped me adapt to successfully commuting to and from work. From boots to dressing for your destination, bags etc and route selection, it is great info.

[@pollyhasanasbo]

Some of my favourite videos of yours have been where youve had conversations with other people and experts! Excited to see where this goes

[@simonmandrakejones]

Hello Tom...I have really enjoyed the bigger, meatier videos you have been putting out. Your videos have definitely been a real motivation to me in ,making riding my bike a part of my daily life. And it is something that my wife is starting to get interested in as well. As part of our holiday, she recently hired two ebikes for a day and we went touring. She hadn't sat in a bike in 15 years, and was nervous about it, but loved every minute and had a grin from ear to ear. I am happy to support this new initiative for as long as I can. Good luck.

[@marakuyovimalesh3793]

Good for you, I hope your new direction really works for you! Looking forward to future videos.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you!

[@JudithWie-ou2qs]

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! ❤️

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thanks so much for the support, and for the words of encouragement!

[@AlexPotvin]

If you want any assistance on the production side of things I’d be happy to help! If you don’t know me, I’m an editor/animator/videographer, I’ve worked with Uytae/About Here on some of his videos and I’ve been kinda dying to work on more urbanism vids lol.

[@BradFonseca]

I'm in!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you Brad. Your support has always been amazing.

[@Johnthetripper]

I'm in, thanks Tom.

[@sspoonless]

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.

[@dhanyrafael]

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. 😅🎉

[@averyfollett4005]

Happy to toss a few dollars your way to support the great content you make! Keep it up!

[@brickmastertube]

I've only watched a few videos so far and I like your vibe. Good luck!🚀

[@jackhorsley3912]

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

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I will check this out, thank you!

[@JBthePAdashC]

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.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I understand this concern, and appreciate you sharing.

[@JBthePAdashC]

@@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.

[@DetraDearmas]

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!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

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.

[@DetraDearmas]

@Shifter_Cycling thank you!!! Your soooo.... encouraging

[@bryantpackard1592]

Love your input, thoughts and recommendations. Living outside core of Houston Texas, bottom of the barrel in terms of real bikability. Ex-racer type, so I converted 1989 Nishiki MTB Cascade, added Cyclocross drop bar conversion, spread frame to use 3 x 9 and brifters, with upgraded brakes and wheels due to commuting 30 plus miles a few days a week. I will look at joining the membership as well...thank you for your work

[@andythousand345]

I started an urban living website partially due to your channel, so thank you!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thanks Andy!

[@cloudsowhite]

Keep it SIMPLE, Simple is always better, Bicycles vs cars

[@grahambonner508]

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.

[@hurhurhurhurhruhrurh]

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"

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Love that comment about reading books.

[@clintrannebeck9838]

You have any videos on kickstands? I've got a basket on the back and my bike wants to fall over the kickstand. Especially when there is anything in the basket. If I get a taller kickstand, it might tip the other way and I don't always have something around that I can lean my bike on. Not sure what to do.

[@notl33t]

congrats on making a shift to patreon! hope this will be fruitful.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you!

[@comounaverdura]

Excellent

[@naiksepedasantai]

I suggest some content about bike restoration

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Good to hear, thank you.

[@naiksepedasantai]

You're welcome

[@IanMcCausland]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY $$ LOL! Signed up before the video was over!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

You're the best, thank you Ian!

[@ConradKirby]

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"

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I grew up hearing that line from the PBS affiliate in Spokane, Washington, which somehow made it's way to my Canadian television.

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

Congrats on the launch I hope you get lots of members to help you explore your ideas. You are a great storyteller dude and it sucks that you feel hamstrung by the algo on what you want to dive into. I am sure you have looked into it but your content and more journalist deep dives might be a natural for a platform like Nebula too.

[@davidwhite7665]

Thanks for your work in this mission Tom. I’ve enjoyed how you’ve kept the ideas somewhat focused in getting around urban environments by bike rather than focusing on our home town (Calgary) and picking our issues apart. (Although it has been fun seeing you mention some of my own worst features of cycling here in Calgary. I contribute to Jeremy’s adventures with The Sprawl and I’ve appreciated his deep dives into things and I’m looking forward to seeing where you take Shifter next. It’s going to be a fun ride (by bike).

[@iansmith6728]

All hail the algorithm!

[@agiwawful]

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?

[@Anderson88G22]

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.

[@jakewatt6843]

Love your videos. I live on Saltspring Island which gets promoted as a desirable bike destination. Believe me it is not. Could you let people know that rural cycling is so different and potentially dangerous. Residents know where and when to ride. Visitors not so much. Keep up the good work 🚴‍♂️👍

[@scotttripp5978]

Thanks for not calling it Shifter+

[@liamtahaney713]

It explains so much that you were a print journalist.

[@Nicehousecrappycar]

Love your channel, just understand that many of us view man-made "Climate Change" as something that has every element one would expect to find in a religious dogma, while lacking, as all religions do, scientific certainty.

[@thomaspomeroy5678]

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.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

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

[@thomaspomeroy5678]

@@Shifter_Cycling Thank you very much for your replay. I will look into that.

[@NeilBruder]

Done!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you!

[@definitelynotacrab7651]

Really looking forward to the future of this channel!

[@Tockz]

Excited!

[@CJ_Walks]

Yippee!!!!

[@electricerger]

True journalism should be held in the same regard as doctors, lawyers, CFAs, PEngs, etc. I'd love to see you flex those muscles and uphold the quality of the profession.

[@LoneHowler]

I joined for free for now. Ill upgrade on payday

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thank you! Your time and attention is the most valuable.

[@maxring837]

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. 😉

[@Kenny1977-b1j]

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

[@rc2257]

Is the exclusive content for members commercial free? Will you be continuing your regular, ad-supported KZbin channel for folks that can’t afford patreon memberships?

[@Korina42]

He will continue the channel. Patreon content is ad free. HTH.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Yes, this channel will continue as it is. Please keep coming back for more!

[@Tarkov.]

Has YT not offered a "join" button on here, or have you decided to go the 3rd party route because it preserves more of the support for you instead of feeding KZbin?

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I'm trying not to put all my eggs in one basket.

[@AndreaBickel]

*Larry Burkett's book on "Giving and Tithing" drew me closer to God and helped my spirituality. 2020 was a year I literally lived it. I cashed in my life savings and gave it all away. My total giving amounted to 40,000 dollars. Everyone thought I was delusional. Today, 1 receive 85,000 dollars every two months. I have a property in Calabasas, CA, and travel a lot. God has promoted me more than once and opened doors for me to live beyond my dreams. God kept to his promises to and for me*

[@FelixRothbart]

There's wonder working power in following Kingdom principles on giving and tithing. Hallelujah!

[@SaraBaxter-bf4rt]

But then, how do you get all that in that period of time? What is it you do please, mind sharing?

[@GregArnst-s3r]

It is the digital market. That's been the secret to this wealth transfer. A lot of folks in the US and abroad are getting so much from it, God has been good to my household Thank you Jesus

[@GregArnst-s3r]

Big thanks to Ms. Chisty Fiore❤️✨💯May God bless Christy Fiore services,she have changed thousands of lives globally

[@MarialiceDavis]

How can I start this digital market, any guidelines and how can I reach out to her?

[@kagura-chan2456]

I just subscribe about 2 weeks ago, I thought you are going to retire or something

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thanks for the comment. I'm glad to hear this!

[@Sivah_Akash]

Would you consider joining Nebula as well? I think that would be great platform for what you are trying to do.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

A few people have suggested it, so I'm certainly thinking about it.

[@sIosha]

Have you considered writing a book? I can understand how the KZbin format can limit the time you can spend on topics.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I did! It's called Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling: rmbooks.com/book/frostbike/

[@gepardtilly]

You could have gotten a bit faster to the point... and don't really need the long explanation. Just say I am launching membership, here it is.

[@edselbobpacer]

Love your content videos but unfortunately one reason why I ride a bicycle daily to work and back is because I can't afford to drive my vehicle anymore and I am on a extremely tight budget so getting a membership wouldn't be in my budget I am sorry

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Your attention and time is a great show of support. Thank you!

[@kurt.dresner]

@@Shifter_Cycling And those of us who can pay will help support the channel so that those who cannot can still benefit! :)

[@Korina42]

I can't afford it either, but you know what we *can* do? We can spread the word! When people ask me about bike commuting, I always direct them to Shifter. When they look at my bike funny I direct them to Shifter. 😊I've also shared videos on other sites.

[@garysmith643]

Awesome channel ! Really well done ! Is that a brookes c19 saddle ? If so how do you like it ?

[@steemlenn8797]

After that he filmed it 4 times more.

[@glaframb]

I got a few question as you know today we see more and more cities around as an agglomerations of cities and suburbs. In the case of Montréal, Québec, Canada , the City itself is around 1,7 Milions. The Island of Montréal is around 2 Millions in population in 15 cities and the Greater Montréal Area is around 4 millions in population around 83 cities. Montréal is not unique many north americans cities have a bigger popuplation outside the city than inside. Are you ready to take a look at this from the point of view (POV) of a Calgarian.

[@80y3r9]

Woese responce is no, youre braver than me putting out, funny you womt ask to be paid! Good luck!

[@brucemastorovich4478]

Doesn't like talking about himself, but does it 5 times :)

[@ziirn1]

I like your channel very much, but I think this sounds like a bad idea. There is no shortage of Global Warming content on YT. To those who subscribe to that, you'll be preaching to the converted. To others, it will be seen as political propaganda. And it will be kryptonite to at least one third of your audience. Please, stick to bikes and the terrific community I think you're building here! Avoid polarizing content.

[@njohnson3331]

0:15 please don't litter....

[@Shifter_Cycling]

That paper made it home with me 😉

[@egyeneskifli7808]

Oh, yeah, what everybody needs. Or at least what "cotent creators" think everybody needs: a PAYWALL! And all the "content creators" do the "I don't understand why" face" when their community dissipates. Well, one less channel to watch. Last few months it already became a blatant propaganda channel for services.

[@1966johnnywayne]

Launches 'Shift Membership' ...and the very next video Tom releases is "Cycling Infrastructure Sux, Not Meeting The Needs Of Taxpaying Cyclists...Women Most Impacted" Thanks, Tom, but we already get enough "gap" beatdown.

[@JoshKablack]

Sorry Tom, but you make the worst Joker ever. Its "we live in a society where", but you keep saying "world" instead. 😛😉😛

[@hubertherbut]

I would really like to see some sort of cooperation with Bike Farmer @bkefrmr - great guy, great mechanic and has very reasonable opinions about the condition of bike industry vs. real people. Maybe video call convsation will be possible? I think many viewers may benefit from it and it might be a important voice in shaping things out for Us - Normal Bicycle Users. Would love to see such a video :)