• Practical Solutions

    Unlock tools, tips and inspiration, whether you are biking to work, getting groceries or meeting friends.

  • Expert Guidance

    Learn from Tom Babin, an award-winning author and the creator of the popular YouTube channel Shifter.

  • In-Depth Content

    Choose the Starter Pack or Ultimate Guide. Explore at your own pace, with 2+ hours of engaging video.

Meet Your Instructor

Tom Babin

Tom Babin is the creator of the popular YouTube channel Shifter and the author of Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling, a bestselling exploration of getting around on two wheels throughout the year. After years of testing, learning and refining his approach to urban cycling, Tom brings a wealth of practical insights. In these courses, he shares his knowledge in a friendly and encouraging way. Join Tom and discover how a bicycle can make your life better.

Shifter Courses

About the Courses

For many people, cycling in a city comes with barriers — from safety concerns to worries about theft and confusing logistics. The Ultimate Guide to Bike Commuting and Urban Cycling shows you how to overcome these challenges. You'll learn how to bike commute safely, comfortably and confidently.  

Shifter Courses are designed for people who know how to ride a bike but feel overwhelmed or intimidated riding regularly in a city. Join to unlock the many benefits of urban cycling — from improved physical and mental health to a more affordable, enjoyable and sustainable way to get around. Everything you need to ride more often is here.

What You'll Learn

The Starter Pack covers the main barriers to riding in the city and gives you clear, practical steps to overcome them. By the end of each section, you’ll be able to: 

  • Choose the Right Bike – Find a bike that fits your needs.
  • Set Up Your Bike – Outfit your ride for smooth, stress-free daily use.
  • Carry Your Stuff – Transport gear, groceries or personal items with ease.
  • Pick Safe Routes – Navigate your city on routes that feel good to ride.
  • Park Securely — Keep your bike safe with proven anti-theft strategies.
  • Make Every Ride Enjoyable — Apply small tweaks that turn bike commuting into something you look forward to.
  • Put It All Together — Start riding more often and with less stress.

The Ultimate Guide includes everything in the Starter Pack, plus five additional chapters:

  • Choose the Right E-Bike – Understand types, features and what fits your riding style
  • Choose the Right Cargo Bike – Compare options and find what works for your needs.
  • Dress for Comfort – Stay comfortable, without needing special cycling clothes.
  • Maintain Your Bike — Master a few easy habits to prevent breakdowns.
  • Ride in Any Weather — Handle rain, heat and cold without worry.

What People Are Saying

“Tom Babin has been instrumental in my transformation from casual, fair-weather cyclist to full-time, year-round bike commuter with his YouTube content. Now, together with Cailynn Klingbeil, he has gone one step further and created a course with step by step instructions. Start biking for the money you'll save, and reap the benefits of gaining back time, improving your health and gaining immeasurable joy!”

Patty Wiens, Bicycle Mayor of Winnipeg

“This course is an amazing resource for anyone looking to start riding further in their city. I love Tom Babin’s genuine and thoughtful approach in his video lessons. He’s like the friendly helpful neighbour we all like, who shares the very best tips and ideas on how to make cycling simple and most of all enjoyable.”

Tim Schaefer, Youth En Route Board of Directors

Start Your Urban Bike Life

Click below to buy the course or gift it. Join now and get lifetime access to the course, plus one year of complimentary access to the Shifter Patreon community with its exclusive member-only content.

Let's Go

FAQ

  • Who is Shifter Courses for?

    Shifter Courses are designed for people who know how to ride a bike but feel unsure, intimidated or overwhelmed about riding regularly in a city. If you want to make the bike a bigger, easier part of your everyday life, this online course gives you the knowledge and confidence to do it.

  • I’ve watched Shifter videos on YouTube. What makes the courses different?

    The YouTube channel is a great place for inspiration and individual tips. Shifter Courses takes things further, giving you a clear, start-to-finish path — with structured lessons, practical PDFs and a supportive community — designed to help you build confidence, avoid common mistakes and start riding with ease.

  • How long are the courses?

    Both courses includes 2+ hours of video lessons, broken into short, easy-to-watch segments, plus 12 downloadable PDFs. The courses are designed for you to complete at your own pace, finishing in a weekend or chipping away over time.

  • What do I actually get when I buy a course?

    The Starter Pack includes 8 chapters and 40 lessons that walk you step-by-step through urban cycling. The Ultimate Guide includes 13 chapters and 64 lessons. See "What You'll Learn" above for each course's curriculum. Both courses also include 12 downloadable guides and checklists, lifetime access to the course and its built-in community space, and one year of complimentary access to the Shifter Patreon community (including exclusive member-only posts and extra tips).

  • Can I buy this course for someone else?

    Yes. You can gift the course to anyone with an email address. On the checkout page, check the box beside “This is a gift.”

  • Do you offer discounts for organizations or groups?

    Yes. If your workplace, club or non-profit wants access for multiple people, email [email protected]