Jeremy Vine shares shocking close pass by 4x4 in the snow; Anti-lockdown protesters block police by setting fire to bicycles; Just as well that pop-up cycle lane got removed; Everyone's favourite folder is back; Snow day cycling + more on the live blog

Many of our paths for #cycling& #walking are covered by a thin layer of #snow for months, so the painted markings can be invisible. We're for example testing projecting symbols onto the snow surface. Works quite well at least when it's dark. #Oulu, #Finland. #MeanwhileinOulupic.twitter.com/hSPyGqtRPU

— Pekka Tahkola (@pekkatahkola) January 24, 2021

Tom Dumoulin announced he's taking an indefinite break from the sport on Saturday while he considers his future in cycling. One of Dumoulin's former teammates, Marcel Kittel, did something very similar in May 2019 before retiring a few months later. The German voiced his support for the 2017 Giro d'Italia winner's decision. On Instagram, Kittel wrote: "I've always admired Tom Dumoulin for his strength. On the bike when were teammates and won Tour de France stages together. And off the bike for his clear opinion and honest critic.

"Of course it's sad to see him taking a timeout from cycling now, but he also stays true to himself to take the time he needs and figure out what who he is and what he wants. I know from personal experience how it feels and how difficult it can be when youre doubting what you do and you want to look beyond your current life and identity. Only time will give you the answers and I hope for Tom that he'll find them soon.

"Until then I wish him the same strength that he's got on the bike also for this part of his career and everyone else who is in the same situation and trying to learn more about his or her own identity. I know that it's a big journey with uncertain destination but also a very important life lesson once you find that inner compass again, recalibrate and head into your future direction."

Technical skills training with @oscarsaizcas@JumboVismaRoadpic.twitter.com/rLxvZBH5Jc

— Mathieu Heijboer (@m_heijboer) January 25, 2021

No this isn't Jumbo-Visma trying to pass their Cycling Proficiency Test before the new season...Skills sessions like these aren't something we hear too much about. We assume pro riders just go on seven hour training rides with hard intervals to prepare for racing, not ride around some cones in a car park. But if I stop being facetious for a second it does make sense. How many times has a rider lost out due to positioning, a silly crash or poor descending? Probably enough to warrant occasionaly practising bike handling skills...This session was taken by Spanish downhill mountain biker Oscar Saiz, who has helped several pro riders improve their descending in the past, including FDJ's David Gaudu and the Giant Shimano squad.  

Beryl will add 50 e-Scooters to their fleet of electric transport in Bournemouth and Poole. Hired through their app, the scooters are "another form of safe, sustainable and affordable transport" with their launch fast tracked in response to the pandemic. Beryl already has a bike share scheme in the Dorset towns but will add scooters to help promote socially distanced travel.

The e-Scooters will be available from access bays, including at Bournemouth and Poole's hospitals as well as both train stations. More e-Scooters will be added as lockdown is eased and the trial is part of a 12 month Department for Transport pilot. To use the scheme you must have a valid UK driving licence. Scooters can be accessed as a pay-as-you-go user for a £1.50 unlock fee + 10p per minute or through bundles priced at 5p per minute when buying 100-300 minutes.

Do cross they said. It'll be fun they said. Only a bit muddy, they said. pic.twitter.com/Jol1FrqczI

— Gina Ball (@GinaBally) January 24, 2021

Two pictures taken the same time today. On the right pedestrian and cyclists crowded together with no chance of complying with social distancing measures.
On the left 5 lanes reserved for the drivers of cars.
This is unfair, unsafe and definitely not #Green. #Brighton#cyclingpic.twitter.com/MwOvdnoMKC

— Steve Moses (@laplandlongspur) January 23, 2021

This is the opposite side of the story to when councillors or motorists complain about pop-up cycle lanes being unnecessary. In Brighton on Saturday plenty of people were getting outside in the sunshine on foot and by bike. Of the six lanes available, including one bike lane, five of them were empty except for a few cars.

Steve Moses shared these pictures and expressed his concern at the lack of opportunity for the cyclists and pedestrians to abide by social distancing measures, pointing out the "unfair" and "unsafe" road layout. The angle of the photo may make the crowding look worse than it is but that doesn't change the fact that there is plenty empty room which some of those people could be using with appropriate infrastructure. A couple of replies to the photos mention the fact that there was briefly an additional lane for cycling back in the summer but that it was quickly pulled out...

It still drives me mad that they removed the on-road cycle lane there. It's literally the worst part of the seafront route; further west there's at least a bit more pavement space for distancing.

— Imogen Hardy 🏳️‍🌈 (@idgiecodes) January 23, 2021

@BrightonHoveCC made a cycle lane from one of the car lanes a few months ago, but it lasted only a couple of weeks as they bent under pressure from drivers and transport authority and painted in back. Quite a shame they have zero will to stand up for whats right.

— I Pilot (@igorpilot) January 24, 2021