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People who stop on escalators frustrate me

I don’t get it when people step on to an escalator and stop. I am not talking here about those with trouble walking or who are older – no, I am talking here about healthy people, especially those who could do with climbing some stairs.

It’s like some people crave not exerting themselves.

What frustrates me is these people who like to stand still get in my way.

When I get on an escalator I want to walk the steps, I want to keep moving – for the exercise and to save time. They are slowing me down. And when I try and get past, often they express frustration.

It’s like I have to stand still because they want to stand still.

The escalator is a shared conveyance. It is not there to slow us all to the same speed. Just like the sidewalk, it is a conveyance we can use to travel at the speed that suits us.

If their is a staircase next to an escalator I will usually take that unless it is too crowded. However, is the escalator is the only choice all on it need to be respectful of each other.

In some countries they have a line in the middle of each escalator step and a sign saying stand on this side and move on that side. I like this because people can choose what they want.

If people want to stand still and be conveyed without investing their own energy fair enough – but don’t block me. There is no time for unity on the escalator – we all have our own lives to live. Get to of the way for me and I will not encroach on your space where you stand.

Fair enough?

I guess I could move to Wyoming where I understand they only have tow escalators, both of which are in a bank.

12 likes
Ugh!

Join the discussion

  1. Leon Tonna

    Mark,

    I have the problem with a stairs. If people just keep to the left it would be easier for everyone.

    1 likes

  2. Paul

    gotta love the country lifestyle
    No escalators, less rude people and we all stop to have a chat Life is good

    4 likes

  3. jenny

    And two people happily chatting to each other while they stand on the escalator, OMG how annoying?
    NO!
    Why are we all in such a rush?
    Slow down, everyone is going too fast, doing too much these days.
    Much better for your health 🙂

    1 likes

  4. TED

    Talk about road rage!

    1 likes

  5. Peter B

    Didn’t know there were rules for travelling on an escalator, maybe there should be a big sign explaining how to use!

    0 likes

  6. shauns

    Found this on google , cant believe there are actual instructions lol

    When riding escalators: •Keep loose clothing clear of steps and sides
    •Wear closed-toed and hard-soled shoes, and avoid wearing footwear made of soft-resin or other rubbery materials
    •Stand clear of the sides of the escalator
    •Face forward and keep firm grip on the handrail
    •Reposition your hand slowly if the handrail moves ahead or behind the steps
    •Don’t climb onto or ride the handrail
    •Do not let children sit on steps or stand too close to sides

    FIRM grip on hand rail would mean you cannot be walking .

    Now I know that I feel better time to get back to work

    2 likes

  7. Mark Fletcher

    It surprised me how far people took it.

    0 likes

  8. shauns

    Its probably because it lightens the day a bit , takes your mind off the job for a few seconds .

    0 likes

  9. jenny

    Same Shaun got a giggle reading this post, shades of Basil Faulty?
    Well written Mark, I’ll try and remember this post next time I’m on an escalator 🙂

    0 likes

  10. Chris

    Next newsagency conference everyone make a bee line to get in front of Mark at the escalators and we all stand still!!

    5 likes

  11. Phil

    Reminds me of this video. Quite funny.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRBchZLkQR0

    3 likes

  12. Neil

    This poor lady makes me laugh every time.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX1oid5Avp0

    1 likes

  13. June

    Mark, you need to do something fast before your rage escalates!!!!!!!

    1 likes

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