Escalators
What is it about escalators and travelators that seem to stop peoples’ legs from working?
Firstly, I do understand that when you’re on a travelator with a shopping trolley, the trolley locks in so that it doesn’t run away from you. This is obviously to reduce the number of old ladies getting crushed at the bottom. It’s fair that under these circumstances you need to stop with the trolley. But what about all the people who just step onto an escalator/travelator and inexplicably just stand there blocking everyone behind them?
Most people wouldn’t stand in the middle of a busy, narrow corridor (or stairwell), unnecessarily blocking everyone else, so why would it be acceptable when on an escalator?
As far as I am concerned, an escalator is a set of moving stairs; you should walk up or down them the same way, but, enjoy the bonus that the trip is quicker. Travelators (like at airports) are, I’m sure, designed to assist moving large numbers of people more quickly, but they seem to do the opposite. Most people who get on them suffer from sudden leg paralysis.
The fact that escalators and travelators are usually thinner than a set of stairs or a normal walkway, and have moving handrails which prevent you getting off, makes it quite difficult to get past anyone who has the sudden brain-leg disconnection.
All I ask is for everyone to keep moving when they’re on an escalator; unless you have a legitimate reason to stop. But don’t just stop because it’s some sort of habit. It’s actually quite rude to unnecessarily hold up other people. Therefore, if you do decide to have a "rest" or whatever it is you’re doing, please stand to one side so others may get passed.
I thank you in advance.