How to Ride an Escalator 101

After missing one too many trains as a result of crowded escalators en route to the platform, we have decided to offer up, as a public service, a basic escalator riding tutorial that will be an education to some and a refresher to others. Plus, we want you to get out of the way when we are trying to catch the train!

There are twelve steps to riding an escalator and none of them involve making amends:

1. Walk left, stand right. This is pretty basic and if you have spent any time in Washington, New York, or Toronto you probably had this drubbed into your consciousness. It is sad that we have to write down the unwritten rule of escalator etiquette, but we do.

2. Step on quickly. Just step on and go. There is no need to choose which step to get on, since there are no special express steps that get you there any sooner. Stepping on quickly will not raise the ire of those behind you, but it will get you to your destination more quickly.

3. Hold the handrail. The good people who provided the escalator for you to ride usually have this handy reminder in sign form by the escalator for good reason – it makes things safer for you.

4. Step off quickly. There is no reason to dally about unless you want to cause a pileup behind you, and that would be very rude.

5. Don’t stand two abreast. Standing two abreast violates rule number one.

6. Pay attention! Don’t engage in conversation with your fellow passengers, have long animated cell phone conversations, or anything else. Just pay attention to what is going on, especially if you are violating rule number one!

7. Don’t stand around the top or bottom of the escalator. It can not only cause a pileup, but it makes it harder for other people to enter or exit the escalator.

8. The escalator is not a ride. If you want to go on rides, go to Great Adventure.

9. The escalator is not a toy, jungle gym, or kid’s activity center. If you have kids, don’t let them play around the escalator. It blocks the flow and they can get hurt.

10. Don’t use the escalator if you have a stroller. It isn’t safe and you get in the way of others and if you have an accident, you'll not only delay those behind you, but also possibly prove Darwin's theory of natural selection. Use the elevator instead.

11. Do not use the escalator if you have a huge package, cello, bicycle, didgeridoo, or some other bulky object. It makes it hard for you to follow rule number three and if you drop the bloody thing, you could hurt someone. Again, use the elevator instead.

12. Walk left, stand right. We just have to repeat the most important rule.

Photograph from Triborough on Flickr