ESCALATORS

Do you walk on escalators? I used to, but nowadays, I try not to. Since I aim to use stairs as much as possible for exercise, I don’t often use escalators in the first place. However, I do rely on this convenience of modern technology when faced with long flights of stairs or when carrying heavy luggage. Relaxing on an escalator makes me appreciate how effortlessly it allows us to move.

Escalators are not originally designed to be walked on. Walking on them can lead to accidents or malfunctions. According to a study by the Japan Elevator Association, there were 1,550 escalator-related accidents in 2018, which is double the number from 15 years ago.

The primary cause of these accidents is improper usage, with walking being one of the main culprits. The steps of an escalator are taller than those of regular stairs, increasing the risk of tripping or falling. This is why the association urges people not to walk on escalators.

It seems we should seriously heed the warnings of responsible industry organizations.

On the other hand, there is a counterargument: “Leaving one side open is a global rule regarded as an efficient and gentlemanly system.” It suggests that leaving one side clear for people in a hurry is a mark of etiquette.

Indeed, during rush hour, people often walk briskly up one side of the escalator. If you were to stop there, you’d likely hear complaints from behind.

However, according to an article by "RESCUENOW," studies show that, from an efficiency standpoint, standing two abreast on the escalator instead of leaving one side open actually shortens the overall time for everyone.

This raises a puzzling question: should we walk on escalators or not? What do you think?

I personally believe that safety should take precedence over efficiency. In recent years, announcements urging people not to walk on escalators have become common at train stations and department stores. Yet, the other day, while calmly standing on the right side of an escalator in a department store, I suddenly heard the sound of high heels approaching from behind. The next moment, I was pushed aside to the left. Instinctively, I said, “Please don’t walk on the elevator!” but the woman didn’t even look back and quickly moved on.

Later, I realized I had mistakenly said “elevator” instead of “escalator,” which embarrassed me a bit. It’s frustrating how words can fail us in moments of urgency. That woman probably thought to herself, “What’s this old man who can’t tell the difference between an escalator and an elevator talking about?”

Still, why did she push me aside without saying a word? A simple “Excuse me” would have spared me from feeling so offended. Touching a stranger’s body without warning is unacceptable, regardless of whether the person is a man. If the roles were reversed, and I had pushed her aside, I might have been accused of harassment on the spot.

What if I had been a person with a disability? Or a foreigner? Would she still have shoved me aside? This situation could be seen as connected to issues of gender equality, discrimination against people with disabilities, or even xenophobia. Perhaps she believed that leaving one side open on escalators is an absolute rule of etiquette. To her, I was likely a rude person who didn’t know basic manners, making it justifiable to push me aside. Or maybe she had an urgent reason for her behavior. Either way, I can’t help but feel that if she had just a bit more consideration for others, a simple “Excuse me” would have come naturally.

While this escalated into a discussion about discrimination, I’d like to avoid letting my emotions escalate as well.

“Where are you rushing off to in such a small country?” This old slogan resonates even more in our increasingly fast-paced world. Kobayashi Issa’s haiku, “Little sparrows, step aside, step aside, the horses are passing through,” is imbued with a gentle concern and kindness toward the sparrows. In contrast, “Escalator, step aside, step aside, I’m coming through” paints a picture of arrogant modern humanity devoid of compassion.

It’s just an escalator, and yet, it’s more than just an escalator.

So, will you still walk on escalators?

この記事は、日本語版をChatGPTで英語訳したものです。

日本語版はこちらです。