Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, decided this winter to introduce -as a trial basis - a new, gender equal approach to clearing roads and sidewalks from snow.

The snowplows are to work the sidewalks and bicycle lanes first (and roads second) in order to favor women who use them much more frequently than men do. Men who tend to take (what is often the only) family car to work.

This winter especially that decision has been met with great satisfaction as the sidewalks have often been so icy. Hopefully the good results - less falls, less broken bones and less hospital visits - will push the city council to draw the right conclusion and perpetuate the trial. And moreover, perhaps this will spread everywhere and anywhere where winter creates its challenging and perilous conditions for pedestrians.