Escalator

I don't know why...but I shy away from walking up or down even when I am in a hurry.

I've seen some kids do that too...and I think it's dangerous. I wouldn't let my kids do that.
I don't think it's a good idea to rush up (or down) when there are too many people on the escalator. I've seen some people walk past or run past other people who are ahead of them. I think that's rude.....it's like moving ahead in a queue.

lol...James, I don't think I want to try that....nor do I want my kids to try that. My older one is very careful on the escalator after a bad experience on one when he was around 4. He was holding on to escalator and when he reached the end, his hand automatically went along with it (he didn't realize that he had to let go). His hand got sucked in and I was right behind him. It happened so quickly that we didn't have the time to look around for the emergency stop buttong. I managed to pull his hand out. His whole little hand had gone right in. The force was such that his skin got scraped...but the brave little fellow didn't cry. I'm so glad I was right behind him. Imagine if I was a little ahead or behind....I wouldn't have been able to pull out his hand on time.
I didn't know it was escalator etiquette to stand to one side...I actually thought it was rude if someone behind you tried to get ahead by walking past you (it's not like one has to wait ages for the escalator to reach the next floor).

Goodness me, the experience with your son sounds pretty scary actually! And than God he ended up with scrapes only. I have read articles and seen news stories about children's shoes getting caught in escalators but never anything about hands like in this case.

That was scary alright. Even though I was right behind him, I didn't realize right away what happened because he didn't cry out. I saw the look on his face before I realized what happened. A major part of the skin came off that day.....he had a scar for a year or more (he still has a light scar which isn't very obvious). I literally PULLED his hand out.

lol...someone seems to be giving you tips on escalator etiquette (which I wasn't even aware of).
I'm embarassed to try and walk up even when I am alone....don't know why. I stand there like a dignified statue...lol....as if I am a queen or something and don't want to move unless I can help it.

I've never seen really long escalators.....and always wondered why people need to rush past others for short distances. But now that you have mentioned the really long escalators, I can see your point and understand the reason for standing aside to let others pass.

Here in Bangalore, the walking escalators are everywhere (not just in the airport). I hardly see the old type of step escalator anymore. I still stand and wait to get to the top or bottom ...even when no one is on the escalator.
I can understand how the escalator can be exciting to a child....but these things can be dangerous. Read my comment to James above about what happened to my son when he was younger. Make sure you are with your child all the time when he is on the escalator. My almost two year old is very excited to see an escalator too. But he knows how to stand still on it...he's got used to it because we stay right next to a mall and visit it every week. But he still wants to stand on his own when he wishes and we let him. But I'm very watchful because the little one can't be trusted to not get into trouble.

what you say is absolutely right. My husband or me always stay with him whenever my son goes on an escalator. And whether he wants it or not we always lift him in the beginning or the end no matter how hard he is trying to stay on it .

That's the best thing to do:)

It's fairly new...just a few years of the step ones...and the walking ones are pretty new. I'm not sure that's the only reason. I've seen foreigners rushing up and down too (to get there sooner and not like playing on it...which the kids who are seeing it for the first time tend to do). Most of the parents who let their kids run up and down are not aware of the dangers. A few years back, a little boy was crushed to death at an airport when the escalator gave way. That really scared me.