I haven’t held on to an escalator handrail in … probably years. It seems dangerous to hold on to something that is moving independently from the the other moving thing you are touching. More dangerous than not holding on anyways. And if I’m walking on the escalator instead of just standing, then 3 different things are moving. There’s just too much opportunity for error.
Also, germs.
Do we have any dedicated escalator handrail holders out there? Or dedicated handrail avoiders like me?
I NEVER hold the handrail — way too many germs on there!!!
You obviously have better balance than I do and/or the escalators where you are aren’t as jerky. Usually the handrail & steps are synced well, but even if they aren’t, you just grip it loosely so the rail slides, but if you get unsteady you can grip it to regain your balance. As for germs, only weak, puny, inferior people have to worry about them.
If you’re transferring at 59th Street (particularly to/from the Lexington line) there is a crazy tall and steep escalator (in the summer it’s like descending into Hell), and I always hang onto that one. Otherwise it depends.
I concur with antfaber; don’t be a sissy. Washing your hands is much better than taking a header down the stairs.
Did “Myth busters” ever do a study on this? Are there actually more germs on escalator hand rails than most other public surfaces?
I hold onto the rails for fear of falling. Well, maybe not ‘fear’ as much. To prevent falling. That’s a better description.
I think the rails just feel dirty because they are soft rubber and, especially in the heat, have a warm, slimy feel to them.
Still, pocket size hand-sanitizing lotion should sort that out I walk from the escalator.