Live blog: Movistar to use SRAM in 2020?; RGT Cycling virtual training app officially launches; Driver with no licence who hit cyclist given nine month drive ban; Cyclist carrying a child provokes online fury + more

Liam here. I'm throwing a nice general bike industry moan into the crap tech chat.

The last decade has seen so many annoying new standards, be that around the bottom bracket, at the hubs, or in the rim beds. I have a special hatred for BB30a.

It seems that the bike industry keeps making our lives more difficult. And they probably will for the next ten years so I can moan about this in 2029 too.

The Brussels Times reports that the city of Mechelen and the municipality of Bonheiden have joined forces to install ‘smart lighting’ along a 22-kilometre bicycle path next to the N15 motorway in Flanders. It will be the first of its kind in Belgium and was born out of a survey from young people, who said the lighting would be a good idea for people travelling on the road to reach Mechelen city centre. The lights turn onto full beam automatically when they detect movement, and are dimmed when there is nobody on it. ​

The total cost of the project is said to be €242,000, most of which will be paid for by the Agency of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

"Think Zwift, but different", RGT Cycling told us when sending over details of their virtual training platform, which has now officially launched after four years in development. We checked it out over a year ago when it was still known as Road Grand Tours, and now as well as the name shortening they've tweaked it and launched a subscription model that will cost £12.99 a month for the premium version, or totally free for the... well, free version.

RGT Cycling say they've done extensive work into rider's movements to make the virtual world as realistic as possible, with drafting and braking all taken into consideration. There are eight real roads for users to explore, including the Cap de Formentor and the Stelvio Pass, and there is also a 'Magic Roads' feature that converts GPX files into a virtual course, so you can pretty much ride any road in the world. 

There are also events, which users on the free subscription can also access, and you can also organise private races with friends. Both the 'Freemium' and Premium subscriptions are available now - you need to download the mobile app (available on iPhone and Android) to connect your devices and register, and the Screen App (for Windows, Mac, iPad and Apple TV) to give you the display - you can head over to the RGT Cycling website for more info. 

Not quite sure what Facebook is trying to tell me, but this sponsored post featuring the loud and proud new Bobby Dazzler jersey from everyone's favourite oversized cycling apparel brand Fat Lad at the Back has just popped up on the newsfeed. If you're digging the colours, you can pick one up for £64.99 on the FLATB website here. 

The boulevard on Princes Avenue in the Toxteth area of the city is set to be transformed into a 1km long cycle path, a £4 million scheme that is set to be completed in the summer of 2020, reports The Liverpool Echo. It's part of Liverpool's wider Clean Air Plan after declaring a climate emergency recently, and the ctcle path with also form part of a 'green corridor' extension to Otterspool that is set to be delivered within the next year. ​

Councillor Sharon Connor said: “The Princes Avenue/Road scheme is a fantastic example of how our Better Roads programme is breathing new life into Liverpool’s communities.

“The feedback from the local community has been fantastic which will help give this scheme will have a real wow-factor. It’s going to revive the most beautiful boulevard in the city and transform how the wider Toxteth community interact and use this reimagined space.

“The new cycle path within the central reservation will also provide a unique experience for cyclists travelling to and from south of the city and is another example of how we are actively working to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, improve our air quality and encourage healthier lifestyles.”

It has emerged that certain corners of Britain's mainstream media with a certain political persuasion that we don't need to detail are very annoyed about the six second clip above, showing a man carrying a child whilst riding a bike. 

Terry Nichols on Facebook said: "What an irresponsible pillock. He should be prosecuted for dangerous riding and endangering the life of a minor" according to The Metro, and the Daily Mail observed how neither are wearing helmets and that it made one man's blood boil. 

Sustrans' Jon Usher told the seething tabloids that the man was indeed in the breach of the highway code, but advised against mandatory helmet use and suggested better infrastructure as a more sensible safety measure: "The Highway Code is clear that passengers must not be carried on a cycle, unless it has been specifically built or adapted to carry one - so family cycles, cargo cycles, or any cycle fitted with a child seat fit well within the law.

"We believe the best way to increase cycling safety would be to increase the amount of cycling infrastructure that is physically separated from motor traffic, as well as reducing the levels of traffic in residential areas."

What do you think, crime of the century? Let us know your thoughts in the comments as always... 

Last night was the annual road.cc Christmas bash, so we're feeling a little fragile...