Photo by absentmindedprof.

Last weekend, we were quick to declare 13th Street as the newest sledding hotspot in town. Well, with roads (albeit quite sluggishly) getting back to handling cars instead of humans, it’s not really an option this weekend. Where, oh where will the poor tobogganers go? How ’bout the lawn of the Capitol? Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) petitioned for a special waiver to allow residents to take a turn on the normally restricted space, according to The Hill Is Home. The area has been closed off to the public since security increased after September 11, but has an illustrious history as one of the best places in D.C. to take a spin on your favorite piece of metal and wood.

It’s certainly a nice gesture for Dodd to take it upon himself to file the paperwork with the Capitol brass; but the fact that it happened after various members of the legislative body called us a bunch of pansies this past week makes Dodd’s effort even more endearing.

The Hill Is Home’s report notes that Dodd’s wife, Jackie Clegg, spread the word to residents via a Capitol Hill listserv, adding that sledders “may need to let officers know that it is allowed this weekend.” True enough, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms’ office is closed today, so our calls for official confirmation went begging. Still, it’s probably worth a try — who knows the next chance you’ll get to ride with the majestic Dome in your rear-view?