Not to use tube escalators with pushchair

[LegoVsFoot]

I was chatting with my friend who thinks it's unreasonable that I don't take my buggy up or down tube escalators. My stop has a massive one so I go to the next and walk.

I know some people do but I think it looks really dangerous especially when they're so steep. AIBU?

RE. A third of tube stations- that's a third with step free wheelchair access, but there will be others with lifts without step free platforms. Plenty of stations do have lifts and it is usually a case of finding the next one or getting a bus and all is fine.

I don’t like doing it. I found public transport and a buggy so stressful that I ended up using a sling to go everywhere. Meant I never had to worry about lifts, whether there’d be space on the bus for me, or where I was going to fit the buggy if I went into a cafe.

It's too dangerous to take a buggy on the escalators with a baby or child in it, fine if empty but not with children.
They even have a picture of a child in a pushchair with a big red crossed out circle over it on our local shopping centre escalators so no idea why the much steeper tube ones are different.
YANBU

Have you ever TRIED to catch a bus with a pushchair when it's busy?? No way is it an easy thing. I used to have to talk from the train station for several bus stops to get home because I physically couldn't get into the buses with all the pushing and shoving, THAT is hazardous to your health!!!

@OrderOfTheKookaburra I used to prefer taking the tube/train rather than a bus when my girl was in a pushchair for that reason.
People were willing to help on tube/train but getting the bus is like the Hunger Games.

Why oh why don't you just get a sling?! It really is the obvious answer!

What does multiple large suitcases have to do with a single pram?

@FlounderingFruitcake ok maybe it was more of one big suitcase, backpack on her back, handbags plus (I think) a 'carry on' bag with the suitcase. I can't remember exactly.
But usually with a pushchair it includes change bag, handbag, shopping bags, backpack etc.
It's not safe basically. But that's the parents choice if they want to risk it. I wouldn't personally.

You might fancy lugging a 20 month old around in a sling all day but I sure as hell don’t.

Couldn’t imagine a worse time than being in central London, up and down tube steps and walking about in town with a toddler who needs a nap, no buggy and having to carry them and all the bits for the day.

I did it occasionally and my husband was always explaining to me which way I needed to apply pressure to keep it level but that sort of thing never sticks in my brain!

So YANBU.

I’ve never taken a pushchair plus a changing bag, handbag, multiple shopping bags and a rucksack with me, which is what 6 different items including the pram, and I’ve never seen anyone else do this either. You’re right that it would be ridiculous dangerous. But one pram with a single ‘everything’ bag in the basket- I find that very manageable and it’s perfectly safe according to TFL. Totally fair enough if you don’t want to do it but saying that it’s unsafe because of an assumption that you’ll have a week’s work of luggage for a single day out is somewhat of a stretch!

Also those suggesting slings?! Fab idea for a newborn, especially as those bassinets they’re not strapped into + escalators seems like a terrible idea but do you use one for a toddler, even if you’re out all day? You must be stronger than me because my back is hurting just thinking about it!

@FlounderingFruitcake I see people pushing prams with various shopping bags etc on every single day.
In fact I am staring at two right now and it's not even lunchtime yet.

YABU. If you live in london and commute/socialise regularly you are constraining yourself and extending your journey time if you only use SFA stations or the bus.
If you want this extended time go ahead but for most of us you know how to use the escalator safely eg when going down -using the back wheels only , making sure your wheels are on a single step and towards the back. Make sure you stand on the step directly behind your pushchair and hold with both hands. Going up- use front wheels only. Push wheels to front of the step. Stand directly behind holding with both hands

Im a new mum but a lifelong Londoner so used escalators even with pushchair using younger siblings/family members . Never had an issue.

I think this is really uncommon though. I almost never see the old school umbrella style with two handles, 95% of prams have one handle bar that you can’t even easily hang things on.

You are not allowed to use them.
Imagine if someone higher up tripped and fell? Or your buggy slipped?
Tube escalators are so high, fast moving with way to many people on the to be used safely with a buggy. Just use the lifts!!

@Sissynova people have those big clip things or tie the carrier bags on the handle.

@misssunshine4040 Just use the lifts!!

Lol.

I stand corrected that it is allowed, but does it not seem so dangerous?
Is it not possible to plan your journey to use the lift ?

The amount of shopping bags the average South Londoner (with no car) can attach to their buggy is quite an art.

@misssunshine4040 yes you are. Single pushchairs are allowed on the escalator.

If you don't want to use them - don't. However, stop spreading misinformation

Yes I have clips on the handlebar of my YoYo and they’re really handy because the basket is tiny but I definitely don’t use them if I know I’m taking the tube because they mess with the stability on the escalators!!

I'm a west Londoner but thanks ☺️

It's really not that hard but you have to do what you're comfortable with. I slot the front wheels in to the stair in front of me, stand on the one behind that, and lift the back wheels so it's still straight. If I had loads of bags, I'll use a lift if there is one.

I did the same