Hope?

I found it odd during the US presidential campaign (and even during the candidacy campaigns) that there was quite so much coverage in this country. But despite that I can't help feeling that today might, just might, be a step forward. Not that I relish being Obama - there's a weight of expectation now on him to change not only the US, but the world. All of the rhetoric now needs to be put into action (maybe starting with the morally and legally objectionable Guantanamo Bay).

So with the world changing for the better I expect to start seeing cyclepaths gritted when it's icy. This would save a mile and a half walk in the morning and seeing someone coming the other way with blood pouring out of her head, but who insisted (cheerily) that she was okay and not far from work. We're so far down the food chain it's scary... There had obviously been a thaw overnight, followed by a re-freezing. I saw a few people ahead walking their bikes and thought nothing of it, then the chap directly in front slithered to a halt, "Probably the best idea..." I said, then realised I knew the chap.

So we walked along chatting. This is more a cyclemotorway than a path - one of those exceptions to the rule that is very useable, well-surfaced and goes where people need it to go usefully. And here we were struggling to keep our footing, let alone remain upright on the bikes. A few brave souls went past cycling, but with another two people seen in the act of coming off, as well as the blood-laden girl, I couldn't be bothered with taking the risk.

it only added 13 minutes onto the commute, but for a council supposedly trying to promote alternative travel methods they do seem very half-hearted about everything apart from the tramline.

Here's hoping you can change the world, Mr President, but in the meantime I'll see if Edinburgh Council can do their bit.

My walk around Dean Cemetery almost gave us this wistful blip instead...