Comments on: transit rage

By: Capricious Commuter

Capricious Commuter — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:13:51 +0000

Doug, I couldn’t agree more about keeping right, something that should apply to freeways just as well as stairs and escalators. On a positive note, I have a fond memory of such an experience. While visiting Washington, D.C., where I once lived and saw the first Metro subway line open, I found myself in another rush situation. I had only a few minutes to get from my Metro train to a commuter train to the Baltimore-Washington Airport. Approaching the escalator from Metro up into Union Station, I looked up and my heart sank. A crowd of commuters had filled up the entire escalator, so I would have to just stand in line and wait for my step to reach the top. But suddenly, I saw every last person on that escalator who wasn’t already on the right side move over, leaving a shiny, clear line to the top. The first thought I had was that it was like the Universal Studios version of the Red Sea parting. In any case, I rushed up the that new path and made my train.

By: Doug Faunt

Doug Faunt — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:36:23 +0000

Err, I didn’t say separate staircase, I said different sides. Basically “keep to the right”.

And walking abreast without being prepared to give way is bad manners, and sometimes requires assertiveness on the part of the people effected by the offense.

And people stopping in a group at choke points are others who need to have their offense brought to their notice.

Walking is uncommon enough in the US that many people don’t realize that they’re being a problem for people who actually walk to get places. This extends to people who install “street furniture” that impedes the progress of pedestrians.

By: e

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:18:19 +0000

I know it wasn’t the case here, but it drives me crazy when people are sitting at the top or the bottom of the stairs, blocking half of its already meager width. I’ve seen this several times at the 24th St and the San Bruno BART stations.

By: Capricious Commuter

Capricious Commuter — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:34:08 +0000

Doug, I agree that we should expect people to share staircases, but that should be a courtesy, not something enforced by physical intimidation. That would be my default on my better days, and hopefully from now on. I see the logic of up and down staircases, but as a pedestrian commuter, too, I also know that when I’m in a hurry, it’s nice to not have to worry about using some stairs or escalator other than the one closest to you.

By: MikeOnBike

MikeOnBike — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:24:40 +0000

It’s a lot more pleasant with full fenders, front and rear.

And a light, waterproof, breathable jacket.

By: Doug Faunt

Doug Faunt — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:16:18 +0000

Err, I don’t think you were being an asshole, expecting people to share staircases.
As long as BART requires cyclists to use the staircases, then cyclists should have priority on those staircases, in fact.

Many places have signs indicating sides for up and down on stairs, or for walkers and standers on escalators. In other places, it’s just up to common sense, which isn’t as common as it ought to be.

By: Capricious Commuter

Capricious Commuter — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:56:47 +0000

Mike, I’ve learned my lesson. Next time, I’m taking the bike, rear fender or no.

By: MikeOnBike

MikeOnBike — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:55:32 +0000

Cycling in the rain isn’t so bad. It’s rather pleasant if you’re prepared for it.