Back to Basics: Stand Right, Walk Left
There is etiquette to be considered on escalators and moving sidewalks. It’s really very simple —
STAND RIGHT — WALK LEFT!
What does this mean?
If you are going to remain stationary while riding the escalator or the people-mover (moving sidewalk), stand single file on the right side, allowing people who are walking to pass you by on the left side. It’s just like driving - slow moving (or non-moving) people stay to the right and out of the way of faster moving traffic.
Do not congregate as a group and block the walkway from those trying to get by you. This is a mode of transportation, not a coffee klatch, so either keep moving or keep out of the way of those people who are.
All together now, STAND RIGHT — WALK LEFT!
Photo credit: SXC
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6 opinions for Back to Basics: Stand Right, Walk Left
Shane
May 14, 2008 at 5:11 am
Mary Jo, this is great advice if you are in North America but it’s just the opposite in Japan. People walk three abreast on the sidewalk in Tokyo too, so that must be a worldwide phenomena!
Maybe this has something to do with driving on the opposite side of the road? I guess the best advice is “when in Rome….” or in my case Tokyo…
But thanks for the reminder! I think everyone hates a sidewalk hogger.
Astroprof
May 14, 2008 at 7:30 am
This gets back to the idea of simply courtesy (recall the comment regarding talking on cell phones on the airplane).
The moving sidewalks are there to get people from one place to another fairly quickly and easily. And, many people walk on them in order to move at what would otherwise be a fast running pace, getting them to the end even faster. But, I frequently choose to walk briskly beside the moving sidewalk. For one thing, I figure that the exercise is good for me. But, all too often the sidewalk is blocked by people standing on it, with baggage, baby carriage, etc. piled all around them. Then, they can’t figure out how to get out of the way at the end of it as the sidewalk disgorges more people onto the landing at the end, creating a traffic jam. I’ve been at some airports where they occasionally announced the rules: “Stand to the right to allow walking passengers to pass on the left.” But, people just ignore the rules. So, I find it just less frustrating to walk beside the thing.
Lauren Kilberg
May 14, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Such great advice. I’ve had many moments in my weeks, especially when I used to live in Chicago, where I’ve just wanted to politely remind people of some common, considerate, habits.
Christine Gilbert
May 14, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Educating the world, one blog post at a time. Next up: You don’t need to shout– how your cell phone function and why it still works if you talk normally.
The Toronto Traveler
May 15, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Amen!
Geoff
May 16, 2008 at 8:23 am
Strangely, it’s the same in England, where cars drive on the proper side of the road :-)
But it can never hurt to remind people of this rule, personally it’s a pet hate, as standing on an escalator is another way for people to become more sedentary.
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