The Unwritten Rules of the Escalator: Miss Manners Weighs In on a Sticky Situation

Ah, the humble escalator. A marvel of modern convenience, designed to whisk us effortlessly between floors. Yet, even on these moving stairways, the delicate balance of public etiquette can be thrown into disarray, as one frustrated reader recently discovered. Miss Manners, ever the beacon of civility, was called upon to arbitrate a rather common, yet deeply annoying, public space conundrum.

Our letter writer, identified as 'On the Move,' recounted a familiar scene: a crowded public space, a busy escalator, and the unspoken rule of 'stand right, walk left' being flagrantly disregarded.

The specific offense? A fellow passenger, accompanied by a stroller, had decided to occupy the entire width of the left side of the escalator, effectively creating a human-stroller blockade. This forced 'On the Move' and others in a hurry to stand patiently, stewing in frustration, behind the slow-moving obstruction.

The dilemma is palpable.

On one hand, one might empathize with the challenges of navigating public spaces with a stroller. On the other, the universal expectation of escalator usage dictates a clear path for those wishing to ascend or descend more quickly. 'On the Move' pondered the appropriate response: to politely ask the person to move, to audibly sigh, or to simply suffer in silence?

Miss Manners, with her characteristic blend of wisdom and gentle admonishment, wasted no time in clarifying the established protocol.

She firmly reiterated the universal rule: those who wish to stand should position themselves on the right-hand side of the escalator, leaving the left-hand side clear for those who prefer to walk. This isn't merely a suggestion; it's a practical, universally accepted understanding that ensures a smooth flow of traffic for everyone.

She acknowledged the occasional need for exceptions, perhaps due to a physical limitation or carrying exceptionally bulky items, but stressed that such instances do not invalidate the general rule.

For those with strollers, the expectation remains the same: either fold it if possible and stand on the right, or be prepared to navigate with an awareness of those around you, allowing a clear path.

Miss Manners' advice for 'On the Move' and anyone else encountering such a situation was, predictably, rooted in polite assertion.

While one should always avoid confrontation, a calm, clear, and brief request for passage can often resolve the issue. A simple, 'Excuse me, may I pass?' or 'Could you please allow room on the left?' delivered without aggression, often serves as an effective reminder of the shared space's unspoken rules.

Ultimately, this 'escalator tiff' serves as a microcosm for broader societal courtesy.

It underscores the importance of being aware of one's surroundings, anticipating the needs of others, and adhering to simple, agreed-upon conventions that make public spaces more efficient and pleasant for everyone. So, the next time you step onto an escalator, remember: stand right, walk left, and let common courtesy guide your way.