Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the "stand on the right, walk on the left" etiquette on escalators in China, highlighting its historical context, current safety concerns, and the shift in public opinion against this practice. Historical Context - The "stand on the right, walk on the left" practice was promoted in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai over 20 years ago, gaining traction during events like the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai Expo [7][8]. - Initially, many people stood side by side on escalators, but the practice evolved into a more structured approach due to campaigns aimed at promoting civility [9]. Public Sentiment - Many commuters support the "left walk" rule primarily for time-saving reasons, as it allows those in a hurry to pass [9]. - The cultural perception of this practice as a sign of personal quality and civility has also contributed to its popularity [10]. Safety Concerns - Critics argue that walking on escalators is dangerous, increasing the risk of falls and accidents [11]. - A study from London indicates that as escalator height increases, fewer people are willing to walk, suggesting that standing on both sides may enhance efficiency [18]. - The article emphasizes that escalators are designed as machines, not for walking, and walking on them can lead to injuries due to their design differences compared to regular stairs [19][21]. Equipment Maintenance Issues - Prolonged adherence to the "left walk" practice can lead to mechanical issues with escalators, as uneven weight distribution may cause wear and tear [24]. - Reports indicate that a significant percentage of accidents in metro systems are related to escalators, underscoring the need for safer practices [28][30]. Shift in Official Stance - Several cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, have begun to discourage the "left walk" practice, citing safety and equipment maintenance concerns [32][33]. - Official guidelines now recommend standing still and holding onto handrails instead of walking on escalators [34]. Conclusion - Despite the push for change, ingrained habits are difficult to alter, and many commuters still prioritize speed over safety in their daily routines [35].

Core Viewpoint - The long-standing practice of "stand on the right, walk on the left" in escalators is being questioned, with recent shifts in public behavior and official recommendations suggesting a move away from this norm [2][16][37]. Group 1: Historical Context - The "stand on the right, walk on the left" practice was promoted in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai over 20 years ago, gaining traction during events like the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai Expo [3][5]. - Initially, the practice was not widely adopted, with many people standing side by side on escalators until a cultural shift occurred [3][4]. Group 2: Public Sentiment and Behavior - Many commuters support the "stand on the right, walk on the left" practice primarily for time-saving reasons, as it allows faster individuals to pass [5][9]. - However, there is a growing debate among the public regarding the efficiency and safety of this practice, with some expressing concerns about the dangers of walking on escalators [16][18]. Group 3: Safety Concerns - Studies indicate that walking on escalators can be hazardous, with a significant number of accidents occurring due to falls or collisions [28][29]. - The design of escalators is not intended for walking, as they are classified as "special equipment" and have different step dimensions compared to regular stairs, increasing the risk of accidents [20][24]. Group 4: Official Recommendations - Various cities in China have begun to move away from promoting the "stand on the right, walk on the left" practice, with some explicitly stating that it can lead to equipment malfunctions and increased risks [36][37]. - Recommendations from safety organizations suggest that standing still on escalators is safer and more efficient, with some cities advocating for a complete ban on the practice [40][41].

Core Viewpoint - Multiple metro operators in China are promoting the practice of standing still on escalators instead of the traditional "keep left, stand right" approach, emphasizing safety as the primary reason for this change [2][3][4]. Group 1: Safety Concerns - The shift from "keep left, stand right" to standing still is primarily driven by safety concerns, as walking on escalators increases the risk of accidents such as falls [2][3]. - The operational characteristics of escalators, including their height and speed, contribute to a higher risk of accidents when passengers walk or run on them [3][4]. - Increased passenger flow during peak hours necessitates a more efficient use of escalator capacity, which can be achieved by having passengers stand side by side [3]. Group 2: Implementation and Communication - Metro operators are implementing various measures to promote the new standing policy, including clear signage, audio reminders, and visual aids to guide passengers [2][3]. - In Beijing, initiatives include the installation of yellow warning lines and footprints on escalators to encourage passengers to stand within safe zones [3]. - Shanghai has removed references to "keep left, stand right" from safety materials and emphasizes the prohibition of walking or running on escalators in its public safety campaigns [4]. Group 3: Industry Recommendations - Industry experts suggest using multiple communication channels, such as broadcasts, posters, and safety weeks, to educate the public about the risks associated with walking on escalators and the benefits of standing still [5]. - Regular safety demonstrations and interactive experiences are recommended to enhance public understanding of escalator safety [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift in public behavior regarding escalator etiquette in major Chinese cities, moving away from the "stand on the right, walk on the left" practice to a more safety-oriented approach, highlighting the need for a balance between public courtesy and scientific safety measures [1][2][3] Group 1: Historical Context - The "stand on the right" rule originated in London in 1944 to improve passenger flow and was later adopted globally, including in China, as a standard for civilized behavior in public transport [1][2] - This practice was seen as a reflection of respect and consideration for others, becoming a social norm despite its discontinuation by officials in recent years [2] Group 2: Safety Concerns - Studies indicate that approximately 75% of escalator injuries occur while walking or running, and 95% of escalator component damage in Nanjing is due to uneven stress from this behavior [2] - Engineering assessments reveal that the design of escalators is not conducive to walking, with a height of 21-24 cm and a speed of 0.65 m/s, which increases the risk of accidents [2] Group 3: Proposed Solutions - The article suggests implementing clear escalator usage guidelines and providing dedicated stairways or fast lanes for hurried passengers to enhance safety and efficiency [3] - It advocates for inclusive design in urban planning, ensuring that public spaces accommodate diverse needs while promoting safety and convenience for all users [3]