Moving Walkways

 

 

One of mankind’s great innovations for accelerating the movement of pedestrian masses across long spaces is the moving walkway. They are strategically located in airports and other large buildings where people need to walk long distances under time pressure.  

 

These magical belts move slowly enough to allow travelers to step safely on and off, but quickly enough to get you to gate C36 before your flight leaves for Cleveland. Moving walkways are great. I love moving walkways.  

 

Of course, somewhere along mankind’s slow descent into a sloth-like existence, a false notion about moving walkways has taken hold. That false notion is that the purpose of a moving walkway is to replace walking. Somehow, a portion of the public has come to perceive them as moving “ride-ways”, with no walking involved. 

 

 Hey, no big deal. If you prefer to stand still, then stand still. Be my guest. Just don’t do it on the walkway where you impede the progress of grumpy old men trying to make a connection.