Democracy, Love

On the Brooklyn Bridge last night doing bike counts a police officer started talking to me as he noticed I was shivering uncontrollably. It's ok when you're riding or walking, but this weather is brutual for those standing still. The officer seemed confused as to why I was out there. I tried to explain that I worked for Transportation Alternatives and that I was out there because I was excited to show just how many people would ride their bikes on a daily basis if it was safe and convenient (or in this case, if all other options suddenly became less convenient). He agreed with me, but said he prefered riding on trails, just for fun. But look at them I said, point to the streams of people treking across the Brooklyn Bridge. This is great for the city. People are talking, there is the possibly of an open exchange of ideas, this is a breakthrough for democracy. My roommate also pointed out that this is a breakthrough for love.