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Rapid Handrail

double speed escalator handrail on one side
  (+12, -1)(+12, -1)
(+12, -1)
  [vote for,
against]

On the long escalators on the London Underground there are polite signs requesting that travellers keep to the right when ascending or descending, to allow those in a hurry to sprint by unimpeded on the left hand side.

This usually works quite well, but there will always be the odd person who insists on blocking the left hand lane. I therefore propose that the handrail on the left hand side travels at twice the speed to that of the one on the right. I'm sure the reasoning is obvious without further explanation.

xenzag, Dec 13 2008

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       //I'm sure the reasoning is obvious without further explanation.// To cause //the odd person[s]// to fall down the escalator, knocking over other travelers like ninepins? []
sninctown, Dec 13 2008
  

       Perhaps a little faster would be good - but not double speed - double speed would probably knock people off their feet.
dannystaple, Dec 13 2008
  

       ".....the reasoning is obvious without further explanation." Obviously not quite.
There is no desire to injure anyone... just make those who try to remain in the "fast" lane feel insecure as the hand rail advances away from them at double speed. By contrast, those who are in a hurry will experience a handrail that actually matches their speed of ascent or descent.
xenzag, Dec 14 2008
  

       The handrails on the Moscow Metro seem to do this randomly all on their own
oneoffdave, Dec 14 2008
  

       That's because they're always Russian about.
xenzag, Dec 14 2008
  

       I just like handrails that surprise..
po, Dec 14 2008
  

       I'd like an Immunity Bracelet for those times when I want to stomp all over the arrogant bastards who deliberately block people who use escalators as moving stairs and not just magic carpets.
UnaBubba, Dec 16 2008
  

       //odd person who insists on blocking the left hand lane. //   

       That would be me. I can never remember which is which. This idea is great... [+]
up_on_cloud_nine, Dec 16 2008
  

       Passing on the left? Surely the right would be more logical in London (like what would occur on UK roads).
Texticle, Dec 16 2008
  

       (+) but...this would take all the fun out of getting to the top using only the rails.   

       //but...this would take all the fun out of getting to the top using only the rails//   

       Au contraire. It would make it very exciting and difficult.
UnaBubba, Dec 16 2008
  


 

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