This article offers a humorous yet insightful guide for tourists visiting London, focusing on the unwritten rules and social norms that can trip up the unprepared. From escalator etiquette to navigating busy streets and cycling safety, the piece highlights the dynamics between locals and tourists in this bustling metropolis.
There exists an unwritten rule in London , typically shared with tourists by weary locals: always stand on the right-hand side of escalators. This allows those in a hurry, especially those navigating the relentless London commute, to swiftly pass by. More than two decades ago, this rule was perhaps less crucial, a time before London 's reputation as a phone-snatching hotspot cemented.
Back then, my advice to tourists primarily revolved around the right escalator etiquette and perhaps a gentle reminder to keep their phones out of sight in crowded areas. Today, my counsel has expanded to encompass the city's pickpocketing realities, encouraging the use of zipped handbags, and pockets whenever possible. Backpacks are good, but avoid external pockets easily accessible by nimble fingers in a teeming crowd.This unwritten code of conduct, while often met with good humor, becomes a source of fascination and disbelief when it comes to navigating London's transportation system and bustling streets. Visitors often pose skeptical questions, questioning the imperative of adhering to the escalator rule. However, the unspoken truth is that this is just one facet of a perpetual struggle between those commuting daily through the city's veins and the steady influx of tourists. A struggle neither side seems to be winning, particularly exacerbating tensions during peak tourist seasons.The saga of the London escalator demonstrates this inherent tension. Official trials at Holborn Tube station years ago revealed that escalators could carry 30% more passengers when everyone stood on both sides, abandoning the overtaking lane system. Nevertheless, this experiment was never fully implemented, largely due to the outcry from commuters. The formality of the report back then highlighted the ingrained habit of walking, people's concern for punctuality and the need for the usual exercise, some even engaging in rather desperate measures to avoid standing still. This includes a notable instance of a man pushing a child aside to traverse the escalator, highlighting the overriding power of ingrained habits that often supersede social norms. This is precisely why I advise visitors to move diligently at the top of escalators, avoiding prolonged pauses to check their phones or ponder their next destination. A halted tourist can create a ripple effect, disrupting the flow of the relentless rush hour crowds. This applies not only within Tube stations but also on the city's pavements. Dawdling, walking abreast or any action hindering footpath flow is ill-advised, particularly in densely populated areas, where research consistently shows pedestrians moving faster than in less crowded regions. For instance, a study spanning ten locations in England and Australia found Londoners to be the fastest, clocking in at 1.68 meters per second during morning commutes.
London Tourism Travel Tips Unwritten Rules Etiquette Public Transportation Pedestrians Traffic Cycling
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